A shocking revelation points to the inaction of HR&CE (the Government Department managing Hindu temples) in taking suitable action in the case of a property belonging to the famous Gangadhareshwar temple in Purasaiwalkam right in the heart of Chennai metropolis. A Christian missionary outfit ‘The Salvation Army’ was found occupying the building owned by the temple without paying any rent for years. The rent due adds up to Rs.5.30 lakhs. More pertinent is the fact that a Tamilnadu Government Home Ministry order dated 18th February 1958 prevents temple lands or buildings being let out to non-Hindu groups. Thus not only a G.O has been flouted but also temple revenue has been robbed. The entire bungling came to light when HR&CE published a list of rent defaulters of temple lands and buildings recently.
