HC dismisses PIL seeking CBI probe into artefacts smuggling

The Madras High Court today dismissed a PIL seeking a CBI probe into suspected smuggling of artefacts and alleged siphoning of funds in temples under Tamil Nadu government's control.
Pointing out that a PIL for audit of temple wealth by the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) was already pending before the court, the first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, said a decision on handing over the matter to CBI could be taken only after completing the proceedings in that petition.
The present PIL, filed by Rangarajan Narasimhan or Srirangam, alleged that there was no information available with the authorities of Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment (HR & CE) department, which manages a number of temples, about priceless antique items in the shrines in the state.

Claiming loss of antique silver, gold and precious stones in several temples, he said illegal money transaction took place in the name of 'thiruppani' (maintenance/festival works) and added that private persons had been given unhindered access to rare artefacts.
He also claimed all temples were not audited every year as mandated by HR&CE Act and that the takeover of temple administration by HR&CE from private trustees had not served the desired purpose, as "the situation is worse now than earlier."
The petitioner wanted CBI to investigate into the "disappearance" of valuables, "maladministration" of temple wealth and collusion among officials and anti-socials.