The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday ordered status quo be maintained while hearing a public interest litigation petition that sought a direction to restrain the authorities from constructing a commercial complex around the compound wall of Palvannanathar Swamy Temple in Karivalamvanthanallur in Tenkasi district.
A Division Bench of Justices Anita Sumanth and C. Kumarappan was hearing a petition filed by N. Shanmugasundaram of Tenkasi district. The petitioner said recently the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department permitted construction activities around the compound wall of the temple, purportedly for putting up a commercial complex.
If the construction of the commercial building around the temple wall was allowed, it would mar the heritage value of the temple and affect the stability of the ancient structure. It would also affect the devotees during the annual temple festival. The construction of the building was in no way beneficial to the religious activities of the temple, he said. The court posted the matter for hearing to November 25.
In a separate matter, the Bench directed the authorities to file a counter affidavit to the public interest litigation petition filed by S. Mariappan of Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district.
The petitioner sought a direction to the authorities to allow devotees and local residents to worship at Ponputhukavudayar - Beemavudayar Sastha Kovil, Vanapechiamman Kovil and Sangili Boothathar Kovil situated in Manimuthar without collecting entry fees at Manimuthar forest check-post. The authorities should consider issuing identity cards or passes, he said. The court posted the matter for hearing to December 10.