CHENNAI: The Madras high court has set a six-week deadline for the government to remove encroachments on temple properties worth several hundred crores.Justice S M Subramaniam , noting that it had been brought to the notice of the court that properties worth crores were encroached by greedy men and land grabbers, said, action should be initiated for cancellation of patta granted to them illegally and to evict all encroachers within six weeks.The judge also pulled up the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment department for not maintaining cleanliness in Kariyamanika Perumal temple in Ayanavaram , and said it was bound to maintain ‘religious atmosphere’ and cleanliness in institutions under its care. “It is painful to pen that the temple is improperly maintained by trustees, and even after being taken over by the department, minimum cleaning requirements are not met,” rued Justice Subramaniam, adding that lack of hygiene in and outside temples can never be tolerated.The court was passing orders on a plea moved by M Senthil Kumar seeking direction to permit him to administer the temple. When the plea came up for hearing, he produced photographs to show the temple unclean. Perusing the pictures, Justice Subramaniam said, “Photographs show that the temple is unclean and, therefore, suitable action is to be initiated to maintain it cleanly and in accordance with the provisions of the Act.” As per Section 80 of the HR&CE Act, appearance of religious institutions is to be protected.

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