Madras High court first bench orders stop to temple demolitions

The petitioner stated that, based on recommendation of Archaeologist / Conservationist, HR and CE, K.T. Narasimhan three age-old temples were demolished in Namakkal, Tirupur and Erode.

Another 700-year old temple is also facing demolition. During the last hearing, the court directed Narasimhan to appear before the court on Monday. Advocate General P H Arvind Pandian submitted that he would obtain instructions for Narasimhan’s appearance.

The bench said “We made it clear to the Additional Advocate General P H Arvind Pandian that it is a matter of great concern that the consultant to the HR and CE department has recommended that the existing temple complex may be demolished totally on the ground that it is inauspicious. We may note that the background of the consultant is … whether he is from ASI and at best he could opine on the matter of heritage”.

It appears from the affidavit of the petitioner, a plan and elevation of a new temple authenticated by Muthiah Sthapathy has also been obtained, as carbon copy of the existing temple only, and thus he advised the temple committee to get a new plan prepared. Appropriate action is required to be taken by the department as per the recommendation of Chief Sthapathi and to complete the consecration ceremony.

The bench said thus such consultant would be advising the HR&CE department in all matters is also a matter of great concern. AAG Arvind Pandian submitted that it is not necessary the department acts on the basis of the recommendation of the consultant. The bench said, but, at the same time, nobody tested such a report based on superstitious mumboo jumbo. Arvind Pandian asked the bench how they can function when such blanket orders are passed. The bench adjourned the matter to January 25, 2016 for further hearing.