Enquiry ordered into Kandakottam temple assets

Observing that there are allegations and counter-allegations about the safety and security of all assets belonging to Kandakottam, which are substantial in nature and include jewellery, bullion, bank and cash deposits, land buildings and educational institutes, Justice Anita Sumanth passing orders on a batch of petitions moved in this regard, said, “In my view, it is necessary to obtain a clear picture about the inventory as well as the whereabouts of the asset.” 

She then appointed MHC judge, Justice N V Balasubramaniam, to undertake a comprehensive verification and inventorisation of the assets and render a specific finding regarding discrepancies, if any, vis-à-vis the assets as reflected in the 1959 and 1988 appraisals, materials available in the temple premises including the inventories in respect of other periods and details and inputs from the parties.

Also, noting that it is brought to the notice of the Court that CR Palanidas, who was a trustee in Kandakottam for two terms between 2003 and 2013 and has opened a separate locker and is holding a key to the same, Justice Anita Sumanth directed Palanidas to appear before the judge commissioner on September 16 and furnish all materials available with him to facilitate the inspection and appraisal.

The judge also held that the enquiry process shall commence at 10.30 am on Sept 16 and conclude on September 18 and shall be videographed and photographed from start to finish and sought the judge commissioner to submit a report within two weeks. The case has been posted for further hearing to October 3.

The Kandakottam temple has been administered and managed by members of Beri Chetty community appointed under the scheme decree dated January 12, 1910 till 2014. From 2014 till date, the affairs of the temple are being managed, initially by the fit person and thereafter by the Executive Officer of the Hindu Religious and Charitable (HR&CE) Board.