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A report highlighted that stones worth Rs 28.51 crore were illicitly mined from Hanumantharaya Swamy temple land in Nagamangalam, Denkanikottai, and stones valued at Rs 170.14 crore were quarried from Arulmigu Pattalamman Temple Baleguli, both in Krishnagiri
The Madras High Court has ordered the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, Salem Range, to submit a report detailing the illegal mining activities on temple lands in Krishnagiri, the criminal cases filed against those involved, and the actions taken subsequently.
The direction was issued in a contempt of court petition filed by A. Radhakrishnan, a temple activist, who sought action against officials failing to protect temple properties as per previous court orders.
In an order passed on July 19, Justice SM Subramaniam expressed deep concern over the illegal mining of natural resources worth Rs 198.65 crore from lands belonging to two temples in Krishnagiri district.
The action taken report from the Assistant Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department was described by the judge as ‘shocking the conscience’ of the court, revealing that extensive illegal mining had been done on temple lands.
The report highlighted that stones worth Rs 28.51 crore were illicitly mined from Hanumantharaya Swamy temple land in Nagamangalam, Denkanikottai, and stones valued at Rs 170.14 crore were quarried from Arulmigu Pattalamman Temple Baleguli, both in Krishnagiri.
The judge noted that the report stated that the HR&CE officials faced obstruction from unruly elements preventing them from performing their duties on temple lands. "Such lawlessness in any allocation at no circumstances be allowed by the Government," he said.
Justice Subramaniam also pointed out that despite the large-scale illegal mining in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts and the registration of several hundred criminal cases, no significant action had been taken. The potential collusion between police, revenue officials, and illegal miners was also remarked upon by him.
"In view of the fact that Authorities are unable to initiate appropriate actions against illegal mining activities and such properties belong to Nation. This Court has to step in and to initiate action to protect Nation's wealth. Few greedy men cannot be allowed to loot the Nation's wealth for unjust personal gains," Justice Subramaniam asserted.
Therefore, court summoned the DIG to appear on July 26 with the required reports.
Case Title: A.RADHAKRISHNAN v. K.MANIVASAN, IAS., AND 23 OTHERS
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