_Madras HC Orders Removal of Encroachments on Dharmapuri Temple Lands Worth Rs. 1000 Crore Within 12 Weeks*_

*Case #245: _Madras HC Orders Removal of Encroachments on Dharmapuri Temple Lands Worth Rs. 1000 Crore Within 12 Weeks*_

*Court*: _Madras High Court_
*Judge*: _Justice Krishnan Ramasamy_
*Petitioner*: _A. Radhakrishnan, President – Thiruthondar Trust_
*Type*: _Public Interest Litigation – PIL_

*1. Key Order*
*The Madras High Court has directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to take steps within 12 weeks to remove encroachments on temple lands in Dharmapuri worth approximately Rs. 1000 Crore.*

*2. Facts of the Case*
1. *Location*: _Karimangalam and Pulikkarai Villages, Dharmapuri District_
2. *Temples Involved*:
– _Kodalammam Temple_
– _Selliamman Temple_
– _Easwaran Temple_
– _Perumalsamy Temple_
– _Thirumalaithevar Temple_ and others
3. *Allegations in the Petition*:
– _Temple properties are not being properly maintained_
– _Lands are under illegal occupation by private individuals_
– _Illegal constructions on temple land_
– _Illegal collection of rent from commercial establishments_
– _Shops and businesses operating without paying rent to the temples_
4. *Inaction*: _The petitioner alleged that HR&CE officials failed to take action despite complaints, and the police also did not act._

*3. HR&CE Department’s Submission*
The department stated that an inquiry regarding the encroachments is underway and action will be taken.

*4. Court’s Direction*
After hearing both sides, Justice Krishnan Ramasamy directed the *HR&CE Department* to take necessary action to remove all encroachments on temple lands in Dharmapuri within *12 weeks* and disposed of the petition.

*5. Legal Principles for HJS*
1. *HR&CE Act 1959 Sec 34 & 54*: _Duty of the Commissioner to protect temple properties and prevent encroachment_
2. *Public Trust Doctrine*: _Temple properties are held in trust for public religious purposes_
3. *Article 26*: _Right of religious denominations to own and administer property_
4. *Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905*: _For removal of encroachments on government/public land_

*6. One-Liner for Exam*
_“Madras HC 2026: Directed HR&CE to remove encroachments on Rs. 1000 Cr worth Dharmapuri temple lands within 12 weeks”_

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*Case #245 Final*: _Madras HC – 2026 – Dharmapuri – Temple Land Encroachment – HR&CE – 12 Weeks Deadline_

*Master Docket*: _245 Cases_
*Tag*: _#245 Madras HC + Dharmapuri + Temple Property + Encroachment + HRCE + PIL + Public Trust_

*HJS Note*:
Important for _Administrative Law + Constitutional Law_.
Key issue: _Judicial Mandamus to State to protect religious institution properties_.

Want me to *track this for the 12-week compliance report* sir?