The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns regarding the Tamil Nadu government's decision to utilize surplus temple funds for the construction of marriage halls. The court's questioning effectively upholds a previous order by the Madras High Court, which had quashed government orders permitting the use of temple funds for such construction. The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, heard the pleas challenging the Madras High Court's decision. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the challenge and posted it for November 19, 2025.

The core issue revolves around whether using devotees' offerings for building marriage halls aligns with the intended purpose of temple funds. The Supreme Court has asserted that these funds are meant for the improvement of the temple and for charitable causes such as education and medical institutions, not for commercial purposes like constructing wedding venues. The court has emphasized that devotees donate to temples with the intention of supporting the temple and its religious activities.

The Madras High Court's decision, which the Supreme Court is now reviewing, was based on the premise that constructing marriage halls for rental purposes does not fall within the definition of "religious purposes" under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959. The High Court emphasized that temple funds belong to the deity and must be used only for religious purposes. It further noted that temples are not profit-making bodies, and their funds should remain within the statutory purposes outlined in the Act.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench raised concerns about the potential for inappropriate activities within temple premises if marriage parties were allowed, questioning whether playing "vulgar songs" aligns with the sanctity of temple land. This highlights the court's apprehension about the commercialization of temple spaces and the potential dilution of their religious character.

The Tamil Nadu government's initial plan involved constructing marriage halls in 27 temples, with an allocation of approximately ₹80 crore from temple funds. The government argued that facilitating Hindu marriages at a lower cost constitutes a religious activity, justifying the use of temple funds for constructing marriage halls. However, the High Court rejected this argument, stating that the essence of charity is absent when marriage halls are rented out for a fee.

The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the importance of preserving the sanctity and intended purpose of temple funds. While the court has agreed to further examine the matter, it has made it clear that devotees' offerings should be used for the benefit of the temple, religious activities, and related charitable endeavors, rather than for commercial ventures. The court also refused to grant any interim stay to the petitioners. The construction of wedding halls from temple funds has been stopped.