Legal update
Published
24 Oct 2026
Source date
23 Oct 2026
SC Declares Gift of Temple Inam Land to Tamil Nadu Void Ab Initio; Clarifies State Is Custodian, Not Owner
Why it matters
The Supreme Court has declared that a gift of temple inam land to the Tamil Nadu Government is void ab initio under Section 41 of the HR&CE Act, 1959, clarifying that the State acts as a custodian rather than an owner. It further enhanced the monthly lease rent to ₹31,000 and directed the payment of arrears and costs.
Key points
- The Supreme Court held that the gift of temple inam property to the State Government is void ab initio under Section 41 of the HR&CE Act, 1959.
- The Court clarified that the State serves as a custodian of such property, not its owner.
- Monthly lease rent was enhanced to ₹31,000, with directions issued for payment of arrears and costs.
What changed
A gift of temple inam land to the Tamil Nadu Government was rendered void ab initio, and the monthly lease rent was raised to ₹31,000 along with orders for arrears and costs.
Who it affects
Tamil Nadu Government, temple authorities, and lessees of temple inam lands.
Jurisdiction
India
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