THE STATE OF TAMIL NADU vs ELEPHANT G. RAJENDRAN

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to transfer the investigation of idol theft cases to the Idol Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police, emphasizing the inadequacy of the HR & CE Department in handling such matters. The Court noted that the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959 governs the administration of temples, but does not empower the HR & CE Department to investigate thefts. The Court directed that the Idol Wing, established under G.O.Ms. No. 2098, is better suited for these investigations, thereby reinforcing the need for specialized units in handling heritage crimes.