Can’t use temple funds for HR&CE expenses: HC

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Wednesday observed that temples’ funds should not be utilised for other purposes of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department.

A division bench of Justices R Mahadevan and PD Audikesavalu made this observation on hearing a petition filed by Ramesh, who wanted a direction to the government not to use temple funds for irrelevant purposes.

“Temple funds were used to construct offices for joint commissioners and executive commissioners of HR&CE. Vehicles that were bought with temple funds. A reply under RTI Act further reveals that marriage halls, bus stands, and devotees’ cottages were also built with it,” the petitioner submitted. “As much as 12% of temple revenue is given to HR&CE for administrative works.”

The bench observed that the temples’ revenue shall not be used for other purposes and the department shall meet the needs only with funds from temples’ income.