In re: Validity of temple land gift to Tamil Nadu government

Supreme Court clarifies legal restriction on gift deeds for temple properties in Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court ruled that under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, the state government acts only as a custodian of temple inam land and lacks authority to accept such land via gift deeds. The court held that such transactions are void ab initio, specifically addressing a case where land from the Nagapalayam Mariamman-Ponnachiamman Temple was gifted for a taluk office.

Supreme Court orders Tamil Nadu government to pay monthly rent of ₹31,000 for temple land

Following the ruling that the gift of 1 acre and 10 cents of temple land to the state for a Taluk Office was illegal, the Supreme Court allowed the office to remain on the site subject to a monthly rent of ₹31,000. The court also ordered the payment of rental arrears within three months.

Supreme Court Rules State Cannot Unilaterally Usurp Property of Religious and Charitable Institutions

The Supreme Court further clarified in its judgment that acceptance of a gift of temple land by a Revenue functionary violates the 1959 Act, regardless of the intended public purpose for the land.

Supreme Court clarifies State is custodian, not owner, of temple property in Inam land dispute

The Supreme Court clarified that the State acts only as a custodian of temple property and not as its owner. Furthermore, the Court upheld a lease for the subject property at an enhanced rate of Rs. 31,000 per month.

Supreme Court cancels Tamil Nadu government's decision to donate temple land, also imposes a fine of one lakh rupees