Archive · 29 Jan 2026
SC Appoints Justice Kaul to Mediate Kanchipuram Temple Dispute
The Supreme Court of India has appointed a retired judge, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, to help solve a very old argument between two groups, the Thenkalai and Vadakalai sects, about who can perform certain prayers in a temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
This argument has been going on for 120 years.
The two groups could not agree, so the court decided to have a mediator to help them find a solution.
The court will check on the progress on March 13.
The dispute is about which group has the right to perform specific rituals inside the temple.
The Thenkalai sect has been doing these rituals for a long time, but the Vadakalai sect wants to participate too.
The court hopes that mediation will help them reach an agreement without further fighting.
The Supreme Court appointed Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul as the principal mediator to resolve a 120-year-old dispute between two Sri Vaishnava sects over temple rituals in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
The dispute involves the Thenkalai and Vadakalai sects, with the Thenkalai sect traditionally performing prayers in the temple's sanctum sanctorum.
The Madras High Court had upheld the exclusive Adhiapaka Mirasi rights of the Thenkalai community, rejecting the Vadakalai sect's plea to recite their own mantras.
The petitioners argued that the High Court relied on pre-Constitution rulings and did not adequately consider the impact of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 1971.
The Supreme Court noted that both sides agreed to mediation and posted the matter for further consideration on March 13.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Thenkalai and Vadakalai sects
- What
- Appointment of mediator to resolve a 120-year-old dispute over temple rituals
- When
- Next hearing on March 13
- Where
- Sri Devarajaswami Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Why
- To settle the dispute between two Sri Vaishnava sects over the performance of rituals
- Temple
- Sri Devarajaswami Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Dispute Duration
- 120 years
- Sects Involved
- Thenkalai and Vadakalai
- Mediator
- Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul
- Next Hearing
- March 13
- High Court Ruling
- Upheld exclusive Adhiapaka Mirasi rights of Thenkalai community
- Constitutional Article Cited
- Article 25 (Freedom of religion)
- Act Cited
- Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Act, 1971
