Kerala’s High Court delivered a landmark judgment on Friday, directing the LDF government to enact a dedicated statute to shield temple properties from rampant encroachments and unauthorized use. The decision addresses long-standing grievances of devotees who have watched helplessly as sacred lands slip away.
Delving into the details, the division bench reviewed evidence of over 1,500 acres of temple land illegally occupied in the past two decades alone. The court lambasted the Travancore and Cochin Devaswom Boards for failing to protect these assets, which include historically significant sites tied to Kerala’s royal legacies.
‘It’s high time for a robust legal framework,’ the judges remarked, pointing to loopholes in current laws like the Kerala Land Encroachment Act that allow misuse. The proposed law must feature real-time GPS mapping, dedicated task forces, and fast-track courts for eviction cases.
The petition, spearheaded by concerned citizens, cited specific instances such as the loss of 200 acres near the Sabarimala temple catchment area. In response, the court has frozen further allotments and ordered a statewide audit to be completed by March next year.
Political reactions are mixed, with opposition parties hailing the verdict as a victory for faith while the ruling CPI(M) defends its record but commits to legislative reforms. This could reignite debates on state control over religious endowments in a politically charged environment.
Ultimately, the ruling reinforces the principle that temple properties are public trusts meant for perpetual worship, not political or commercial exploitation, potentially transforming asset management in Kerala’s temple ecosystem.
