Madras High Court Says Temple Tanks Must Stay with State, Not Individuals

The Madras HC dismissed a plea challenging Section 10A of the Tamil Nadu Minor Inams Act, 1963, which prohibits granting ryotwari patta for private tanks, ooranis, and ponds, even if connected to temples. 

A Division Bench rejected the claim of the hereditary trustee of Somanathar Temple in Thanjavur, who argued that the denial of a patta over a tank gifted in 1932 violated his property and religious rights.

The Court held that Section 10A serves a valid public purpose by vesting tanks with the State to safeguard ecological commons.

The Court clarified that ritual use is permissible, but exclusive ownership is barred, and the provision aligns with constitutional principles and Article 39(b).