Madras High Court delivered a powerhouse judgment, compelling Tamil Nadu to dismantle encroachments on all Adinam and Matha properties in just 12 weeks. The order signals zero tolerance for encroachments that erode the sanctity of these historic institutions.
The catalyst was a petition from 2018 by Radhakrishnan of Thiruthondar Trust, alleging takeovers of Sengol Adinam lands in Thoothukudi’s Nedungundram. Extending to Tirunelveli, these claims exposed a pattern of neglect affecting multiple sites.
Justices SM Subramaniam and C. Kumarappan widened the net, making principals of statewide Adinams and Mathas parties to the suit. This holistic review promises to unearth and rectify encroachments plaguing religious estates everywhere.
Government accountability took center stage, with the court mandating prompt action and full restitution. ‘Lax enforcement undermines constitutional duties,’ it warned, prioritizing religious rights over bureaucratic inertia.
Cheers echoed from temple authorities, who have long advocated for such interventions. This decision not only secures assets but also bolsters public confidence in protecting cultural heritage against modernization’s encroachments.
Implementation challenges ahead include logistical hurdles and potential resistance, yet the court’s vigilance offers strong backing. Tamil Nadu’s success here could inspire reforms elsewhere, ensuring spiritual centers thrive unhindered.