Mon Sep 01 05:40:23 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the article followed by a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to purchase temple land for ₹18.85 crore to secure the future of a school that has been operating on the property since 1937. The Madras High Court facilitated the agreement after a protracted legal battle initiated by the Shri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Devasthanam, who sought rent from the GCC for using their land. The GCC initially disputed the temple’s ownership, but the court ultimately ruled in favor of the Devasthanam. The court negotiated a purchase price lower than the market value to benefit the students and prevent a burden on the city’s tax revenues. The Tamil Nadu government has approved the purchase and granted exemptions on stamp duty and registration charges.

**News Article:**

**Chennai Corporation to Purchase Temple Land, Securing Future of School**

**CHENNAI, September 1, 2025** – The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is poised to acquire a 24,000 square foot piece of temple land in West Mambalam for ₹18.85 crore, ending a years-long legal dispute and ensuring the continued operation of a corporation school that has served the community since 1937.

The Madras High Court brokered the agreement between the GCC and the Shri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Devasthanam, who initiated legal action in 2021 seeking unpaid rent for the land. The GCC initially challenged the temple’s ownership, but the court upheld the Devasthanam’s claim after reviewing extensive documentation, including a 1937 lease agreement.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, presiding over the case, proposed the land purchase as a solution to avoid further legal battles and secure the educational institution’s future. The negotiated purchase price is significantly lower than the estimated market value of ₹25.68 crore, a decision made to protect Chennai taxpayers.

“This is a victory for the students of Chennai,” stated a representative from the GCC. “We are grateful to the High Court for its intervention and to the Devasthanam for their willingness to work with us to ensure the continuity of this vital school.”

The Tamil Nadu government has approved the purchase and granted exemptions on stamp duty and registration charges, further streamlining the acquisition process. The sale deed is expected to be registered within days, with a final compliance report scheduled for September 4th.

The acquisition marks the end of a complex legal chapter and reinforces the GCC’s commitment to providing accessible education to the city’s residents.

Read More