CHENNAI: Leader of the Congress Legislative Party Rajesh Kumar and Mannargudi MLA Abdul Samad informed the Assembly that officials are refusing to grant permission for the renovation, reconstruction, or construction of new mosques and churches on patta land.

They claimed that officials are wrongly citing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to deny No Objection Certificates (NOCs) following objections from right-wing groups, and urged the government to intervene and resolve the issue.

Killiyur MLA Rajesh Kumar, speaking during the debate on the demand for grants for the Department of Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, recalled the 1982 Mandaikadu riots and said that there was apprehension among the authorities.

Though a GO issued in 2024 emphasised that NOCs are not required for the renovation or rebuilding of churches and mosques, the district administration continues to withhold approval, he alleged. “There are SOPs and a GO regarding places of worship for minorities. But, they are not being followed,” the Congress MLA said.