The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to decide on an application challenging alteration to the opening timings of Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district.

The court was hearing the petition filed by Sri Subramaniya Swamy Thirukovil Sudhanthira Paribalana Sthalatharkal Sabha of Tiruchendur. The petitioner organisation challenged the proceedings of the temple authorities which decided to alter the temple opening timings in view of the exponential increase in the number of devotees visiting the temple.

The petitioner’s counsel submitted that it could not be a reason for altering the temple opening timings. The temple was bound by Agamas, and ‘Nadai Sathuthal’ and ‘Nadai Thirathal’ were age-old practices conducted as per religious dictates.

There were experts to decide on changes in the timings. Among the petitioners, there was a Vidhayahar, who was an authority on these questions. Without even consulting him, the Executive Officer had altered the temple timings. Therefore, it should not be permitted, it was submitted.

The senior counsel appearing for the temple submitted that the devotees could not be totally disappointed or prevented from having darshan. Considering the number of devotees visiting the temple, the timings were altered. There was no violation of any Agamas.

As far as the claim of the petitioner was concerned, a civil suit was filed before the Subordinate Court, Tiruchendur, with reference to the entitlement of Vidhayahar. The suit was dismissed. There was no necessity to mandatorily consult him. Therefore, the Executive Officer had taken the decision, it was submitted.

Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy said it was the contention of the petitioner that there was violation of Agamas in the alteration of temple timings. On the other hand, it was the contention of the Fit Person that there was no such violation. The court did not have the expertise to decide the issue.

The petitioner could file an application under Section 63 of the HR&CE Act before the Regional Joint Commissioner of HR&CE Department, Thoothukudi, and by issuing notice to the Fit Person and the persons interested, the question could be decided.

Following the filing of the application, it should be decided as expeditiously as possible, and in any event not later than four months, the court said and disposed of the petition.