CHENNAI—A public interest plea challenged moving temple donations into state-linked finance vehicles, arguing devotion should not meet NBFC brochure. Trustees said returns will fund restoration; devotees said returns will fund more forms.

Priests asked for transparency; accountants asked for Excel. Pilgrim from Trichy said he trusts deity, not interest rate, unless rate beats SBI.

Court listed matter for hearing; bell at temple listed matter for 6am queue.