New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged illegal registration of land belonging to the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani by constituting a special committee to survey and verify all temple properties. The action follows allegations that approximately 1.4 acres of temple land, estimated to be worth around ₹100 crore, was fraudulently registered in the names of private individuals.
The state government has also decided to expand the exercise beyond the Palani temple. According to officials, similar special committees will be constituted to inspect and verify the properties of the remaining Arupadai Veedu, the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, with the objective of ensuring complete protection of temple assets and identifying any irregularities involving temple-owned land.
The special committee comprises senior officials from both the HR&CE and Revenue Departments. It has been directed to conduct a comprehensive verification of all temple properties, including those recorded in official government documents as well as any assets that may not have been properly documented in existing records.
Officials said the committee will examine whether any temple land has been subjected to illegal encroachment, unauthorized transfer of ownership, fraudulent registration, or other forms of irregularities. It has been instructed to submit its findings at the earliest, following which appropriate legal proceedings will be initiated wherever violations are established.
The panel will be headed by the Additional Commissioner of the HR&CE Department, Tiruchirappalli Zone. Other members include the Joint Commissioner of the Palani Temple, the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) of Palani, the Dindigul Sub-Collector, the Assistant Director of Survey and Land Records, and the Special Tahsildar for Temple Lands. The multi-departmental composition is intended to facilitate coordinated verification of land records, revenue documents, survey maps, and ownership details.
According to officials, the survey will assess the present status of every temple property, examine revenue and ownership records, verify land boundaries, and inspect the actual physical possession of the land. If any unauthorized registration, illegal transfer, encroachment, or misuse of temple property is detected, legal action will be initiated against the persons responsible under applicable laws. Authorities may also begin proceedings to restore illegally transferred properties to the temple’s ownership wherever warranted.
The alleged irregularity has also triggered political reactions. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has announced a protest in Palani on July 25, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. He alleged that attempts were being made to shield those involved in the alleged fraudulent registration of temple land.
The HR&CE Department has maintained that further administrative and legal action will depend on the findings of the special committee. Officials said the government is committed to safeguarding temple properties through scientific land surveys, digitisation of property records, and periodic verification to prevent future instances of alleged fraudulent registration, illegal encroachment, and ownership disputes.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
