ORDER :

Prayer: Criminal Original Petitions filed under Section 482 of Cr.P.C. to call for the records in the First Information Report in Srirangam PS Crime Nos. 495 and 552 of 2019 and quash the same.

1. Tamil Nadu is a land of temples. They have played a central role in our culture. However, their current condition leaves a lot to be desired. Lands endowed for their maintenance have been gobbled up by private interests. Antique idols have been stolen and smuggled overseas. The temple staff are paid a pittance. Thousands of temples are facing utter neglect. Even poojas are not being performed. Much needs to be done to revive their glory. The way forward is laid down in the magnum-opus of a decision authored by His Lordship Mr. Justice R. Mahadevan in Periyanambi Narasimha Gopalan vs. Secretary to Government, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department and Others in Suo Motu W.P. No. 574 of 2015.

2. There is also one fundamental issue concerning the administration of temples. Should they continue to be under the thumb of the government? Should not the government professing to be secular treat all religious institutions on par?. Are not knowledgeable and committed activists li