Ramesh R v. The Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 07.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE A.D.MARIA CLETE W.P(MD).No.16768 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD)No.12735 of 2025 R.Ramesh ... Petitioner -vs1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowments Department, Chennai - 08.

2. The Commissioner, Archaeology Department, Chennai - 08.

3. The Regional Assistant Director / Curator, Department of Archaeology, Site Museum, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai.

4. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowments Department, 1/5

5. The Executive Officer, Moovaraivendran Malaikolundheeswarar Temple, Watrap Taluk, ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus forbearing the respondents from altering the original structure of the Moovaraivendran Rock Cave Temply by laying pre-used stones for its floor by considering the petitioner's representation dated 28.05.2025.

For Petitioner : Mr.G.R.Sathish For R1 and R4 : Mr.P.Subbaraj Special Government Pleader (HR & CE) For R2 and R3 : Mr.S.P.Maharajan Special Government Pleader For R5 : Mr.H.Arumugam

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.) The writ of mandamus has been instituted to forbear the respondents from altering the original structure of the Moovaraivendran Rock Cave Temply by laying pre-used stones for its floor by considering the petitioner's representation dated 28.05.2025.

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2. The Archeological Officer, Madurai has given a written instructions along with the photographs, which reads as under:- "I would like to emphasize that no alterations or modifications have been made to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The sanctum has been meticulously preserved in its original architectural and sacred form, thereby maintaining its authenticity and spiritual sanctity.

Furthermore, the original flooring of the sanctum has not been replaced or altered with any of the stone.

The renovation work is being carried out with utmost care on the monument and in the surrounding areas, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Archaeological Department. As supporting photograph evidence of the current condition and ongoing renovation activities is enclosed with this report."

3. In view of the said clarifications issued by the Archeological Officer, Madurai, no further adjudication is required. However, the authorities are bound to ensure that rules and regulations of the Archeological Department are scrupulously followed while undertaking the process of renovation.

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4. The writ petition stands disposed of with the above observations. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. (S.M.S., J.) (A.D.M.C., J.) 07.07.2025 NCC :yes/No Index :yes/No Internet:yes/No rgm To

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowments Department, Chennai - 08.

2. The Commissioner, Archaeology Department, Chennai - 08.

3. The Regional Assistant Director / Curator, Department of Archaeology, Site Museum, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Madurai.

4. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowments Department,

5. The Executive Officer, Moovaraivendran Malaikolundheeswarar Temple, Watrap Taluk, 4/5

S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.

and A.D.MARIA CLETE, J.

rgm W.P(MD).No.16768 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD)No.12735 of 2025 07.07.2025 5/5