Author: PTI
Publication: The Hindu
Date: February 14, 2009
URL: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200902141251.htm
Opposing the takeover of the administration
of the famous Nataraja temple in Chidambaram in Cuddalore district from Dikshitar
community by the state government, Janata Party President Dr Subramanian Swamy
has said that he would implead himself in an appeal proposed by the Dikshitars
challenging a single bench Judge's order paving the way for the government
take over.
Swamy told PTI that Dikshitar community has
proposed to file an appeal in the High Court on next Monday challenging the
Justice P Bhanumathi's order on February 8.
Swamy contended that the judgement of the
High Court was deficient and pointed out that a 1952 ruling by the court had
held that it is a 'denominational' temple. This was not challenged further."Hence
the single Judge verdict is hit by the doctrine of Res Judicata. The court
has not property apprceciated the case," he said.
The court, in its order, rejected the plea
of the Dikshitar community that the 1,500 year old temple was a private one
and they had 'untrammeled rights'. it also upheld the appointment of an executive
officer to administer the temple. Swamy said he was competent to file the
petition as he had been a former law minister and handled a number of questions
relating to temples and in protection of it before various forums.
Swamy said "a petition is pending before
the Parliament petition committee,regarding temple affairs in Andhra Pradesh.
I have got vast knowledge of this and have to free temples from the clutches
of the government."
He pointed out that there is a fundamental
difference between temples and masjids and churches. In temples, after 'Pranaprathishta'
is done, the place becomes that of God, while it is not so in the others.
Stating that the charges levelled against
Dikshitars have not been proved, he pointed out that there are many temples
under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department,
against which there are allegations.
"The government should concentrate on
maintaining law and order and developing the economy. Instead they are trying
to manage the temple," he said.
Swamy was here to attend a function at the
Ramanujam centre in Sastra University.
