The Kerala High Court has thrown down the gauntlet to the state administration, mandating the creation of a new law to fortify the security of temple-owned lands amid alarming reports of widespread encroachments. This proactive intervention seeks to halt the erosion of assets critical to the state’s spiritual and cultural fabric.
At the heart of the matter is the mismanagement by Devaswom Boards, which oversee thousands of temples and their sprawling estates. Court documents reveal that prime real estate in urban hubs like Kochi and Kollam has been covertly grabbed, depriving temples of vital revenue for maintenance and rituals.
The bench, comprising Justices Nambiar and Kumar, issued a timeline-bound directive: introduce the bill in the next assembly session, with clauses for mandatory surveys, encroachment removal protocols, and punitive damages recoverable from offenders.
Activists behind the public interest litigation celebrated the order, sharing stories of forgotten temple lands now turned into private farms or buildings. The government, represented by Advocate General, assured the court of prioritizing the legislation alongside digitization efforts.
This isn’t just about land; it’s about preserving Kerala’s temple traditions that draw millions of pilgrims annually. Economic implications are huge—recovered properties could generate substantial income for renovations and community welfare.
As implementation unfolds, watchdogs predict challenges from influential lobbies, but the High Court’s firm stance signals zero tolerance. This verdict may inspire similar judicial pushes nationwide, marking a new era in temple property governance.