RANGARAJAN NARASIMHAN Vs. INSPECTOR OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Tamil Nadu is a land of temples. They have played a central role in our culture. However, their current condition leaves a lot to be desired. Lands endowed for their maintenance have been gobbled up by private interests. Antique idols have been stolen and smuggled overseas. The temple staff are paid a pittance. Thousands of temples are facing utter neglect. Even poojas are not being performed. Much needs to be done to revive their glory. The way forward is laid down in the magnum-opus of a decision authored by His Lordship Mr.Justice R.Mahadevan in Periyanambi Narasimha Gopalan Vs. Secretary to Government, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department and Ors in Suo Motu W.P. No. 574 of 2015 etc. [].

(2.) There is also one fundamental issue concerning the administration of temples. Should they continue to be under the thumb of the government? Should not the government professing to be secular treat all religious institutions on par?. Are not knowledgeable and committed activists like Shri.T.R.Ramesh justified in arguing that the government should exercise the same degree and level of control over temples as are exercised over churches and mosques?. Such questions and thoughts cross my mind because the petitioner before me is not only a passionate devotee but also an activist. His bonafides are beyond question. But the way he goes about at times can make one feel uncomfortable. He has been training his guns on Shri.Venu Srinivasan, the fourth respondent herein who was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam.

(3.) Shri.Venu Srinivasan is a recipient of Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian honours. His philanthropic and charitable activities are well known. He has spent his time, money and energy for the restoration of a number of temples. The Hon'ble Vice President of India Shri.M.Venkaiah Naidu while commending the work of renovation and conservation of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple said thus :