Supreme Court objects to Tamil Nadu using temple funds for marriage halls

Supreme Court rejects Tamil Nadu’s plan to use temple funds for marriage halls, citing concerns over sanctity and misuse; upholds Madras High Court’s order against it.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has strongly objected to the Tamil Nadu government's decision to use temple funds to construct marriage halls. During the hearing on Tuesday, the Supreme Court clearly stated that the property and premises of religious places should not be used for such social or cultural events.

Its primary concern was that marriage halls built on temple premises could lead to inappropriate activities such as dancing, singing, and alcohol consumption, which would compromise the sanctity of the religious site.

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Supreme Court Order and High Court Decision Challenged

A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta refused to stay the Madras High Court order that had overturned the Tamil Nadu government's decision. The court clearly stated that spending any money from temple funds on constructing marriage halls would be considered contempt of court.

Government's Argument and Court's Response

The Tamil Nadu government argued before the court that the construction of the wedding hall was in the public interest because it is traditional in the state to hold weddings in temple premises.

The government also stated that the wedding halls would be conducted in accordance with religious customs and there was little likelihood of inappropriate activities there.

However, senior advocates Mukul Rohatgi and Jaideep Gupta told the court that marriages in temples are conducted according to religious customs, where there is no scope for dance and music.

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The Supreme Court questioned why temple funds should not be used for charitable causes such as education and hospitals instead of building wedding halls. The court stated that devotees who donate to temples do not donate for events such as wedding halls.

Madras High Court Order and the Way Forward

The Madras High Court has already quashed the government order that allowed the construction of wedding halls using the funds of five Tamil Nadu temples. The government subsequently challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court has now taken a clear stance on the matter.