Move to reconstruct 600-yr-old temple runs into rough weather

A division bench comprising Justice C V Karthikeyan and Justice Krishnan Ramaswamy before whom the appeal moved by one Sunkara Karthik, a devotee of the temple came up, said “The disputed question of facts require examination in detail in the appeal. We hold that there should be an order of interim stay of the order by the single judge. Post the writ appeal during the second week of June”

The petitioner had contended that the temple was built more than 600 years ago by Chalukya Kings of Rajamahendravaram during the 15th century.

But the Puducherry Government, which is having control over the temple, instead of protecting and conserving the heritage temple has decided to demolish it and reconstruct the same.

The single judge Justice K Ravichandrabaabu in his order had dismissed the plea after setting aside the contention of the petitioner that the temple is an ancient archaeological structure and hence cannot be demolished without permission from the archaeological department.

On recording the submission of the Puducherry Government that the said temple does not fall within the purview of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, said “It is evident that the petitioner has simply approached the court on mere presumption and assumption as if the subject matter temple is coming under the purview of Archaeological Department, merely because it is an old temple.”

Also, citing the report and the recommendations made by the authorities during 2016, the judge had said, “If repairs and renovation are not feasible to retain the structure as it is and on the other hand, it is seen that such structure if allowed to continue as such would pose a threat of crumbling down there is nothing wrong in going for a reconstruction of such structure by replicating its originality.”