Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments R Kamaraj today told the State Assembly that there was no legal provision to give land patta to those using temple lands for their dwelling purpose.
In the question hour, AIADMK (Katumannarkoil) MLA N Murugumaran asked if there was any proposal with the government to issue house site pattas to people living in the land owned by Arulmigu Veeera Naryana Perumal Thirukkoil in Kattumannarkoil Town Panchayat.
Kamaraj said 42 persons have been living in the temple land for the past over 30 years and their occupancy was regularised as tenancy and they were tenants (now).
As regards issuance of patta, he said the lands for temples were granted by kings and bequeathed by indivuduals. Such donors have said that the lands should be for the temples till sun and moon existed.
Temple lands, hence, can be only with temples and (benefits) could be used for purposes like conducting poojas, holding festivals, maintenance and for other religious purposes alone, he said.
"There is no provision under the HR and CE Act, 1959 to grant patta for lands owned by the temple to private individuals," he said.
To a query of AIADMK MLA Selvi Ramajayam, he said the government would consider giving NOC to residents living in a temple land (Parangipettai) for obtaining electricity connection.
