Case Name: Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 15544‑15546/2026
Court/Authority: Supreme Court of India
Case/Order No.: Not specified (order dated 08‑05‑2026)
Date of Order: 08‑05‑2026
Originating Orders: Impugned final judgment and order dated 02‑04‑2026 in WAMD No. 25/2025, WAMD No. 396/2025, WAMD No. 397/2025 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Madras at Madurai
Period of Dispute: Not expressly stated
Parties Involved
Petitioners: R. Saravana Pandian & Anr.
Respondents: The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department & Ors.
Other Entities Mentioned: Indian Bank (nominated officials), court officials (Mr. Jaideep Gupta representing the State), various counsel for both sides.
Issues / Allegations / Violations
Petitioners challenged the handling of hundis (traditional donation instruments) placed inside a temple premises, alleging improper access or withdrawal.
The dispute centered on compliance with paragraph 24(iii) of the impugned order issued by the Commissioner, concerning the management and deposit of hundi proceeds.
Respondent/State claimed that the directions in paragraph 24(iii) had already been complied with.
Findings & Observations
The Court, after hearing senior counsel for both parties, found it necessary to maintain the status‑quo regarding the hundis to prevent any unilateral opening or withdrawal.
No monetary penalty was imposed; the focus was on procedural compliance and safeguarding temple funds.
Penalties / Settlements / Directions
Status‑quo Order: Petitioners are expressly prohibited from opening any hundi located inside the temple or its premises.
Bank Involvement: Designated officials of Indian Bank may open the hundis only in the presence of both petitioners and respondents’ officials.
Deposit Requirement: All amounts uncovered from the hundis must be deposited into the temple’s account with Indian Bank and shall not be allowed to be withdrawn by any person.
Stay of Proceedings: The notice dated 24‑04‑2026 issued by the Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (filed as IA No. 141874/2026, Annexure A‑6) is stayed.
Affidavit Timeline: Counter‑affidavit, if any, to be filed within six weeks; rejoinder affidavit within three weeks thereafter.
Corrective Actions & Future Obligations
Indian Bank officials are to open the hundis only when both parties are present, ensuring transparency.
Deposited funds must remain locked in the temple’s Indian Bank account with no withdrawals permitted.
Parties must comply with the affidavit filing schedule and await the next hearing scheduled after nine weeks.
Final Ruling & Enforcement
The Supreme Court’s order enforces the status‑quo, stays the Commissioner’s notice, and sets procedural steps for handling the hundi funds.
The Court directed that the matter be listed for further hearing after nine weeks, providing a clear timeline for any additional filings.
Enforcement rests on compliance by the petitioners, respondents, and Indian Bank officials as stipulated.
