WP/31010/2022 of Prabhu Nambiappan Mazhavarayar Vs The Joint commissioner on 29 October 2026

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by G.Arul Murugan,J.) This writ petition is filed seeking a direction to stop the unscientific renovation currently being conducted in Vedanarayana Temple, Sripuranthan, Ariyalur District, without adhering to the directions of this Court in W.P.No.574 of 2015.

2. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned

Government Advocate (HR&CE) for the respondents.

3. Responding to the allegations made in the writ petition, the second respondent has filed counter-affidavit stating that the Deputy Superintendent of Archaeological Department had inspected the temple on 18.10.2016 and, as per the inspection report, they found that the temple needed an immediate renovation. Pursuant to which, a meeting was conducted by Thiruchirappali Regional Heritage Screening Committee on 21.10.2020, wherein it was decided that the temple has to be renovated. Consequent thereto, an application was filed before the State Level Expert Committee (SLEC) duly constituted in compliance with the directions issued by this Court and, in the meetings conducted on 4.1.2022 and 22.2.2022, orders were passed by the SLEC, permitting the execution of the following works: S.No. Name and Description of the Proposed Work Resolution and Remarks

1. RESTORATION OF MOOLAVAR SANNATHY.

1. Water wash for stone structures and pointing work for stone structures.

2. Providing new Temple type teak wood Door.

3. Vimanam vargapoochi.

4. Vimanam Egavarnam Painting.

1. Permitted

2. Permitted

3. Thin plastering with lime mortar pinning.

4. Thin plastering with lime mortar pinning.

2. RESTORATION OF ANTHRALAYAM

1. Water wash for stone structures and pointing work for stone structures in outer vari.

2. Providing lime Plastering for brick Flooring.

3. Providing weathering course and pressed tiles

1. Permitted.

2. Lime Plastering

3. WPC with new lime mortar (after removing the dead mortar) is permitted. No pressed tiles Permitted.

3. RESTORATION OF ARTHMANDAPAM

1. Water wash for stone structures and pointing work for stone structures.

2. Providing new Temple type teak wood Door.

3. Providing lime Plastering for brick Flooring.

4. Providing weathering course and pressed tiles

1. Permitted.

2. The inscribed area the door jamb and the front area must be preserved properly. The modern cement portion can be changed to stone matching with the original structure.

3. Permitted.

4. WPC with lime mortar permitted. No tiles Permitted.

4. RESTORATION OF MAHA MANDAPAM

1. Providing lime Plastering for brick wall.

2. Filling wall cracks Inner and Outer by using Stitching and lime Plastering.

3. Providing lime Plastering for brick Flooring.

4. Providing weathering course and pressed tiles. Permitted Lime mortar plastering is to be provided No pressed tiles permitted. Interior ceiling has to be cleaned.

5. VIMANAM MUTHAL NILAI SANNTHY (SAYANA KOLAM)

1. Providing new teak wood door

2. Providing lime Plastering work for south and north steps.

3. Providing new Stainless Steel Handrail arrangements in pragharam. After inspection by the Committee

member Govindabhattachari

1. Permitted

2. Permitted

3. Additional hand rail with brick wall is permitted as per discussion will be decided after inspection of committee member (govindha bhattachari)

6. New Construction Of Thirumathil wall Construction with brick wall. Permitted to construct away from the main shrine. Brick

&

lime

mortar construction. Dwarf wall and grill fencing.

7. RESTORATION OF PALIPEDAM

1. Removing and re-fixing cut stones in damaged portion

2. Providing water wash work in stones Permitted All the architectural stone members and the damaged loose sculptures are to be documented and kept in a safe place.

1. The modern accretion walls connecting the stone pillars are to be removed and the originality has to be maintained.

2. Permitted.

4. It is stated that, in view of the permission granted by the SLEC, Balalayam of the temple was performed on 26.5.2022 and, thereafter, the renovation work has started.

5. Today, when the writ petition is taken up for hearing, learned Government Advocate (HR & CE) appearing for the respondents submits that, as on date, around 60% of the work has been completed and the entire work of renovation will be completed in a short time and the Kumbabisegham of the temple will be performed in the month of February, 2027.

6. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that they are completely satisfied with the work being undertaken by the authorities in renovating the temple. She added that in view of the archaeological status of the temple and as ancient statues and certain sculptures are lying unattended to in the premises of the temple, the authorities be directed to take due care to preserve them.

7. It is needless to mention that when the temple is more than 100 years old and has historical importance, the authorities have to

complete the renovation work strictly adhering to the permission granted by the SLEC as early as 4.1.2022. While undertaking the renovation work, the authorities have to inspect and ensure that the work undertaken is in tune with permission granted and that all idols and the precincts of the temple are preserved in a proper manner, without any structural or other damage. With the aforesaid directions, the writ petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. (SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J)

29.10.2026 Index : Yes/No Neutral Citation : Yes/No bbr

To:

1. The Joint commissioner, HR & CE, O/o the Joint Commissioner(HR & CE), Athankarai Veedhi (Near Tharaikatha Amman Koil), Puthupalayam, Cuddalore - 607 001.

2. The Executive Officer and Thakkar (HR & CE), Arulmigu Cholleeswara Temple, Vikramangalam, Udaiyarpalayam, Ariyalur District - 621 701.

3. The Assistant Engineer, HR & CE, 228, 11th Floor, District Collectors Officer, Ariyallur - 621 704.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN,

J.

bbr W.P.No.31010 of 2022

29.10.2026