Tenants leasing properties owned by Tamil Nadu temples are making an urgent appeal to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay: implement the government order that would standardize and fix rental rates across thousands of religious properties. An estimated 20 lakh families hang in the balance, waiting for clarity and relief.

Key facts

  • G.O. 85 was issued on February 17, 2026, by the previous government
  • Approximately 20 lakh families are directly impacted
  • Rent rates have been inconsistent since a 2016 order was deemed too steep

Context and Delays

Though the order was signed months before state Assembly elections, temple administrations have yet to act on it. Tenants argue the delay creates unnecessary hardship and financial uncertainty. The 2026 order came as a response to longstanding complaints that the 2016 rental rates were prohibitively high—a patchwork system where costs shifted with each changing government.

“That order was issued after much deliberation. The present government can go into the pros and cons of it before taking a call. It would save much time and energy and ensure that the temples get the revenue on time,” said V. A. Balasubramanian, president of the Tamil Nadu temple tenants association.

Broader Concerns

Beyond rent, tenants seek clearer policies around building repairs and administrative processes—like ending requirements for “gift deeds” just to change a tenant’s name on a lease. D. Sasikumar, a committee member, pointed out another issue: sublet and sub-sold properties where no rent is collected at all, resulting in lost revenue for temples.

He stressed that bringing these properties into the official rental system would significantly boost temple funds. For now, families wait, hoping for government action that brings fairness, consistency, and peace of mind.