A city advocate has moved the Madras High Court seeking a direction to HR and CE authorities to take appropriate action to protect idols, ornaments and valuables in temples.
He said an inventory register should be maintained with photographic records.
In the public interest litigation petition, S. Gnaneswaran of Purasawalkam stated that there were nearly 36,000 temples in Tamil Nadu under the HR and CE's administration. Almost all had valuables, idols and ornaments worth several crores.
Recently, valuable idols and ornaments were stolen from several temples easily. Hundials in several shrines were broken by thieves. The petitioner listed the instances of thefts in various temples. Many did not have sufficient income and were not in a position to spend money to protect the valuables.
Antiques represented a great heritage of the past. Hence, proper protection should be provided for idols, ornaments and valuables by installing lockers and burglar alarms. Except a few, other temples had not insured the valuables.
Mr. Gnaneswaran said there was no proper fencing for vacant temple property. Taking advantage of the situation, the property was encroached upon and many temples were not taking legal steps to vacate the encroachers.
He submitted that sufficient number of watchmen should be appointed and closed circuit television sets provided for all temples. There should be a direct alarm connection between temples and nearest police stations.
A committee should be formed to frame a scheme for protecting temple property.
When the petition came up for hearing before the First Bench, comprising Chief Justice H.L. Gokhale and V. Dhanapalan, the Special Government Pleader, HR and CE, sought time to file a counter. The court adjourned the matter to April 1.
