: A PIL was filed in Madras High court bench here today by 'Raja Palani Padayatris Sangam', seeking a directive to Sri Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple in Palani to stop some of its employees from allegedly collecting extra money for tonsuring heads.
The temple in Dindigul district is belived to be the third abode of Lord Muruga.
The Petitioner said his members wanted to tonsure their head on Jan 26, 2013. Though the administration had fixed a fee of Rs 10 per head and also issued them tokens, the employees demanded Rs 60 per heada and did not agree their offer to accept Rs 50.
They gave a representation in December and sought data n under RTI act on functioning of the saloon. Though officials assured them they would arrange to supervise collection of money and stop it, no steps had been taken even after one year, they said.
The petitioners pointed out that more than 20,000 people tonsure their heads each day during 'thaipoosam' and other festival days and the temple administration gets revenue of upto Rs two lakh. It shared 50 per cent of the amount for the barbers. Even then they were demanding exhorbitant money as tips from devotees, they said.
