Chennai, May 23, 2024: The High Court has raised a crucial question to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department regarding the utilization of ₹28.76 crore from temple funds. During a hearing, the judges inquired whether the department had invited public objections before deciding to allocate this substantial amount for the proposed construction of a cultural centre on 22.80 grounds of the Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple land in R.A. Puram, Chennai.
The query came amidst a case filed against the proposed construction, reflecting concerns about the transparency and accountability of the decision-making process involving temple funds. The judges emphasized the importance of public consultation, especially when utilizing funds dedicated to religious institutions.
The HR&CE Department has been asked to clarify whether any public notices or calls for objections were issued prior to the decision. This scrutiny underscores the court's commitment to ensuring that the voices of the stakeholders, particularly the devotees and the local community, are considered in such significant financial decisions.
The case continues to highlight the broader issue of governance and management of temple assets, with implications for how religious funds are administered and the necessity for stakeholder engagement in such processes.