Justice G R Swaminathan passed the order on a petition filed by S Vijaynarayanan, manager of a religious mutt in Chennai, who argued that the transfer would commercialize temple properties and deprive pilgrims of affordable lodging. The petitioner had stayed at ‘Hotel Alayam’ in Tiruchendur’s Subramaniya Swamy temple, unaware it was a Yatri Nivas meant for pilgrims. The court noted the government’s move could erode the temple’s charitable identity and politicize its administration. ¹ ²

[14/01, 09:03] Sekarreporter: “Justice G R Swaminathan passed the order on a petition filed by S Vijaynarayanan, manager of a religious mutt in Chennai, who sought to quash the April 26, 2024 GO issued by the Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments department.

The petitioner stated that during a recent visit to the Subramaniya Swamy temple in Tiruchendur, he and his friend had stayed at ‘Hotel Alayam’ of the temple. However, he came to know that the hotel was actually one of the Yathri Nivas built from crores of surplus temple funds for providing affordable lodging to pilgrims”
https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2025/Dec/07/madras-hc-stays-go-giving-control-of-yatri-nivas-built-with-temple-funds-to-ttdc#:~:text=Justice%20G%20R,lodging%20to%20pilgrims
[14/01, 09:04] Meta AI: The Madras High Court has stayed a government order transferring control of Yatri Nivas, built using surplus temple funds, to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC). Justice G R Swaminathan passed the order on a petition filed by S Vijaynarayanan, manager of a religious mutt in Chennai, who argued that the transfer would commercialize temple properties and deprive pilgrims of affordable lodging.

The petitioner had stayed at ‘Hotel Alayam’ in Tiruchendur’s Subramaniya Swamy temple, unaware it was a Yatri Nivas meant for pilgrims. The court noted the government’s move could erode the temple’s charitable identity and politicize its administration. ¹ ²

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