Govt mulls stern steps to check encroachment of temple lands

Studying modalities to resume encroached lands and prevent future encroachment

The State government is working out modalities to bring out stringent legislations governing endowment lands so that temple lands under encroachment can be resumed and steps can be taken to prevent future encroachments.

In addition to incorporating provisions to safeguard these lands from encroachments, the government is learnt to be studying a recent judgment of the Madras High Court directing the State government to detain encroachers of temple lands under Goondas Act. The court, in its September 15 judgment, ruled that persons involved in encroachment activities, fraudulent transactions, illegal documents in respect of the temple properties were liable to be prosecuted.

“In some cases, actions may be required under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act and in other cases, serious actions under the criminal law are required. In extreme cases, the provisions of the Goondas Act is to be invoked by the police on facts to facts basis,” the court said.