Prabhu Nambiappan Mazhavarayar vs The Joint commissioner

W.P.No.31010 of 2022
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 29.10.2026
CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE MR. SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI,
CHIEF JUSTICE
AND
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN
WP No. 31010 of 2022
CNR:{HCMA011491712022}
Prabhu Nambiappan Mazhavarayar
Cholamandalam Mazhavarayar Illam,
3/51, Mazhavarayar Avenue,
VGP Housing Layout, Phase One,
Uthandi, Chennai - 600 119.
Petitioner
Vs
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.
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
3.The Assistant Engineer,
HR & CE,
th
228, 11 Floor,
District Collectors Officer,
Ariyallur - 621 704.
Respondents
PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India
seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to
stop the unscientific renovation currently being conducted in the
Vedanarayana Temple, Sripuranthan, Ariyalur District not performed in
accordance to the directions of this Hon’ble Court in W.P.No.574 of
2015; and take appropriate steps for and grant such other suitable
orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and
circumstances of the case.
For Petitioner: Ms.Susanna Prabhu
For Respondents: Mr.S.Surya
Govt. Advocate (HR & CE)
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
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
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
Resolution and Remarks
Proposed Work
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.
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
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.
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
5. VIMANAM MUTHAL NILAI
SANNTHY (SAYANA KOLAM)
After inspection by the
Committee member
Govindabhattachari
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.
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
Permitted
All the architectural stone
members and the damaged loose
sculptures are to be documented
and kept in a safe place.
1.Removing and re-fixing cut stones
in damaged portion
2.Providing water wash work in
stones
1.The modern accretion walls
connecting the stone pillars are
to be removed and the
originality has to be maintained.
2.Permitted.
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
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
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
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
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
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,
th
228, 11 Floor,
District Collectors Officer,
Ariyallur - 621 704.
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W.P.No.31010 of 2022
THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE
AND
G.ARUL MURUGAN, J.
bbr
W.P.No.31010 of 2022

29.10.2026
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