SC questions TN move to use temple funds for marriage halls' construction

NEW DELHI: Questioning Tamil Nadu govt's decision to use surplus funds of temples to build marriage halls, Supreme Court on Tuesday said the assets and premises of religious place should not be used for construction of such halls where vulgar dance and songs might be played.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said that it would not only be dance and music but people would even seek serving of liquor and there will be no control on such activity if it is allowed. The court turned down the plea to stay Madras high court order which had stayed the state govt decision, virtually restraining the state authority not to use temple funds. The court made it clear that spending of even a penny would amount to contempt.

HC had quashed the govt orders allowing use of surplus funds belonging to five temples at different locations in Tamil Nadu. The state thereafter moved the apex court against the order of HC.

Allaying the apprehension of the court that the temple premises would be misused, the state govt submitted that the construction of marriage halls was for public purpose and added that marrying in temple premises was very normal in the state.

Senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Jaideep Gupta said marriage in temples is always performed as per religious ritual without music and dance and sanctity of the religious place would not be violated.

The bench, however, asked them why funds should not be used in setting up charitable educational institutions or hospitals. "'Devotees do not offer their money for setting up these marriage halls. People who contribute would not agree that these activity be allowed," the bench said.