Madras High CourtWP(MD)/2822/2019disposed of

R.Sentraya Perumal v. The State Of Tamil Nadu

2025-06-20Honourable The Chief Justice,Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 20.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.K.R.SHRIRAM, CHIEF JUSTICE and THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P(MD) No.2822 of 2019 and WMP(MD)No.2144 of 2019 Restrain Perumal ... Petitioner -vs1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by the Secretary, Department of Tourism and Culture, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai-9.

2. The Superintendent of Archaeology, Chennai Circle, Fort St.George, Chennai-9.

3. The Senior Consultant, Mahal Building, Sivan Kovil Street, Thirumayam,

Pudukkottai District-622 507.

4. The District Collector, Collectorate, Madurai District.

5. The General Manager, Southern Railway, 1st Floor, NGO Campus, Park Town, Chennai-3.

6. The Chief Engineer, O/o. the Chief Engineer, Bridge and Maintenance, Southern Railway, Chennai-600 033.

7. The Additional Divisional Railway Manager, O/o. the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Madurai Railway Station, Madurai City-1.

... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondent Nos.1 to 4 to declare Sri Veyilukantha Amman Kovil situated at shore Thenkal Kanmai North Side of Thiruparankundram Kovil, Madurai District as Ancient Monument Temple and consequently to protect the ancient temple from demolish and damage for

laying Railway Road by the Respondent Nos.5 to 7 within the time stipulated by this Honble Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.I.Pinaygash For Respondents : Mr.P.Thilakkumar, Government Pleader for R1 and R4 Mr.K.Govindarajan Deputy Solicitor General of India for R2, R3, R5 to R7

O R D E R

[Order of the Court was made by The Hon'ble CHIEF JUSTICE] The prayer as sought cannot be granted. It is for the respondent No.2 to examine the matter. The learned Deputy Solicitor General states that this petition itself will be treated as a representation and Archaeological Survey of India will take steps in accordance with the rules. However, we hasten to add that this would not mean that they give an assurance that the temple will be treated as an Ancient Monument. That will depend on the inspection and the applicable rules and regulations.

2. Petition is disposed of. No costs. Connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

[K.R.SHRIRAM., C.J.] [S.SRIMATHY, J.] 20.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No bala To:

1. The Secretary, State of Tamil Nadu, Department of Tourism and Culture, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai-9.

2. The Superintendent of Archaeology, Chennai Circle, Fort St.George, Chennai-9.

3. The Senior Consultant, Mahal Building, Sivan Kovil Street, Thirumayam, Pudukkottai District-622 507.

4. The District Collector, Collectorate, Madurai District.

5. The General Manager, Southern Railway, 1st Floor, NGO Campus, Park Town, Chennai-3.

6. The Chief Engineer, O/o. the Chief Engineer, Bridge and Maintenance, Southern Railway, Chennai-600 033.

7. The Additional Divisional Railway Manager, O/o. the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Madurai Railway Station, Madurai City-1.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE and S.SRIMATHY , J.

bala ORDER MADE IN W.P.(MD) No.2822 of 2019 DATED : 20.06.2025