Chaini Parwani –
Published On: October 30, 2021
The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu Government to suspend any decision on melting temple jewellery into gold bars, as a part of the recently announced Gold Monetization Scheme, until trustees are appointed in the Hindu Temples in the State.
A Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P.D. Adikesavalu informed while hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) moved by the Indic Collective Trust through its President, TR Ramesh, that the approval stamp from the trustees was a must.
The Bench further observed that the committee established can continue to commence the process of making an inventory of all temple properties, however, it is “too early” to decide on the melting of gold considering that trustees have not been appointed.
Further, the Court observed, “While it may be perfectly in order for inventories to be carried out in an appropriate manner under the supervision of the committee where the retired Judges should take an active role and participate in the process, it may be too early for any decision to be taken for the melting of the gold which has been offered at the temples, particularly in the absence of the trustees at the temples being in place.”
Furthermore, the Court highlighted that the exercise of completing the inventory of the offerings, including the jewellery and other valuables, may be conducted under the aegis of the retired Judges through the committees as indicated by the State; but no decision to melt any jewellery or to dispose of any valuable which forms a part of the offerings at the relevant temple should be taken without the trustees thereat being installed according to the advertisements issued.
The Madras High Court on Thursday invoked the progressive programme of the State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) department to melt temple gold and deposit it in banks.
Furthermore, the Court also appointed a three-member committee headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge to complete the probe of inventories in these temples.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department had earlier decided to melt 2137 kg of unused gold ornaments received in temples as donations into 24-carat gold bars and deposit them in Nationalized Banks. The interest accrued was to be used for renovation and maintenance of the temples.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin initiated the programme on October 13, which was firmly opposed by right-wing organization.
However, the Order of the Madras High Court denied the programme by the Stalin Government.
The Court further adjourned the hearing of the Petitions to December 15.
Case Title: Indic Collective Trust and Anr v. State of Tamil Nadu and Anr