In a landmark ruling, the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to remove all encroachments from Adinam and Matha properties across the state within 12 weeks. This stern order underscores the court’s commitment to safeguarding religious institutions’ assets amid growing concerns over illegal occupations.
The directive came during the hearing of a petition filed in 2018 by Radhakrishnan, trustee of Thiruthondar Trust. He highlighted illegal encroachments on Sengol Adinam properties in Nedungundram, Thoothukudi district. The trust sought court intervention to reclaim these lands, which span Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts.
Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice C. Kumarappan, heading the division bench, expanded the scope by impleading heads of all Adinams and Mathas in Tamil Nadu. This move ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing statewide issues plaguing religious endowments.
The court emphasized that protecting these sacred properties is a non-negotiable duty of the state administration. Any laxity will not be tolerated, with clear timelines set to enforce compliance. Officials must act swiftly, restoring properties to their rightful custodians.
This verdict arrives at a critical juncture, as numerous religious sites have battled encroachments for years. Activists and devotees hail it as a victory for heritage preservation, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases nationwide.
As the 12-week countdown begins, the onus is on Tamil Nadu authorities to demonstrate efficiency. Successful implementation could restore faith in governance and protect centuries-old spiritual legacies from urban sprawl and opportunists.