HC quashes GOs granting permission to use temple funds to build marriage halls

OBSERVING that temple funds, even if surplus, cannot be utilised by the government for public schemes or commercial purposes, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court recently quashed five government orders (GOs) granting permission for construction of marriage halls using temple funds in different locations in the state.

- JEGADEESWARI PANDIAN @ Madurai

A bench of justices S M Subramaniam and G Arul Murugan rejected the contentions of the state government that marriage is a religious activity and the construction of marriage halls are therefore for 'religious purposes', meaning there is no violation of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, which prohibits use of temple funds for non-religious or non-charitable purposes.