A specialized Division Bench of the Madras High Court, dedicated to temple-related legal matters, recently conducted a thorough inspection of the revered Arunachaleswarar Temple and its surrounding areas in Tiruvannamalai. The focus of their visit was to assess specific construction projects currently underway within the ancient temple complex.
Justices R. Suresh Kumar and S. Sounthar were joined by Collector K. Tharpagaraj and officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department. Together, they meticulously examined various locations, including sacred mandapams, designated waiting areas for pilgrims, and a proposed free food distribution center. An HR&CE official confirmed that the judicial team was provided with detailed explanations regarding current and planned civic amenities designed to enhance the experience for the temple’s numerous devotees.
This inspection stems from a 2024 writ petition filed by temple activist T.R. Ramesh. The petition challenges a 2023 Government Order that sanctioned the use of temple funds for constructing a shopping complex or a series of shops just outside the magnificent Rajagopuram, the primary temple tower. The special Division Bench, presided over by these two judges, is actively hearing this petition.
Just two months prior, in August, Special Government Pleader (HR&CE) N.R.R. Arun Natarajan informed the Division Bench that the department was reconsidering its plans for the shopping complex. Instead, they were exploring alternative facilities to better serve the devotees.
Subsequently, last month, the court was notified of the department’s revised intention to build a queue complex, specifically designed to manage the large crowds of devotees visiting the Shiva temple. However, the temple activist countered this by presenting photographic evidence to the Division Bench, alleging that the HR&CE department had already initiated construction within the temple premises without obtaining prior court approval.
In light of these developments, the judges deemed it necessary to conduct a personal on-site inspection. Their aim was to gain a firsthand understanding of the situation, both inside and outside the temple, before the case’s next hearing, scheduled for October 16.