Madras High Court judge prevented from filing complaint after witnessing financial irregularities during visit to Vadapalani Murugan Temple

Madras High Court judge Justice SM Subramaniam has sought action by the Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department in relation to financial irregularities witnessed by the judge at the Vadapalani Murugan Temple..In his complaint to the commissioner, Justice Subramaniam shared his experience while visiting the temple for worship wherein the judge was issued two ₹50 tickets and one ₹5 ticket in exchange for ₹150.“Noticing that, we asked her (woman staff at the ticket counter). Without any reaction, calmly she had taken back the ₹5 ticket and issued ₹50 ticket. Several such tickets are kept on the table of the counter inside and we found such ₹5 tickets were issued along with ₹50 tickets to other persons in the counter,” his complaint recounted..Further, Justice Subramaniam pointed out that despite attempting to place a complaint before the Executive Officer of the temple he was prevented from doing so by the staff."Myself along with my wife and daughter went inside the Hall and asked about the availability of the Executive Officer. He had not responded and questioned about us. But, he refused even to see us and not responded. Thereafter, we have seen two persons sitting in the left side room. We went inside and requested that persons to give us the telephone or Mobile numbers of the Executive Officer or Commissioner or P.A to Commissioner or complaint cell number. One person identified himself as Accountant in a rude voice, asked who are you? I informed that I came to temple for worship and narrated the incident occurred at the ticket counter and therefore, I wish to make a complaint. He in an arrogant manner, said that no such things are happening in the temple and he said that he will not provide us the phone number of the Executive Officer or Commissioner or complaint cell," the complaint explained.“We have repeatedly requested the staff members to provide us any authorized phone number for giving complaint. They had acted unbecoming of a public servant and dealt us in a rough, rude and arrogant manner,” it was further stated.The judge then called the registrar of the High Court to provide them the assistance of local police but even after seeking assistance from the local police, the judge was unable to contact the Executive Officer."On arrival of police, I disclosed my identity by informing my name and designation. Again, I made an attempt to secure the phone number of the Executive Officer to tell about the incident. Even in front of the police, the person, who was sitting in the cash counter along with the woman staff, identified himself as Superintendent told us that the Executive Officer informed him that we shall give a complaint and leave the place," the letter by the judge said.Therefore, he sought the presence of the Executive Officer before the court on Monday in order to register his complaint..The judge, therefore, directed that appropriate action be taken against all staff members. Further, an enquiry into supervisory lapses by the Executive Officer was also directed.“If any lapses, derelictions are found, initiate action against the Executive Officer and report to me on or before January 9, 2023,” the letter said..Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.