ALL CIVIL WORKS/Constructions/Renovations in Heritage Temples and impinging upon Heritage Temples across Tamil Nadu stayed.

HUGE News from Madras High Court!!

ALL CIVIL WORKS/Constructions/Renovations in Heritage Temples and impinging upon Heritage Temples across Tamil Nadu stayed.

In my Writ Petition challenging construction of Shopping Complex right in front of the ancient Sri ArunachaleswararTemple, Tiruvannamalai – on 09.10.2025 – – Hon’ble Division Bench had ordered formation of the Heritage Commission as per the TN Heritage Commission Act, 2012.

Though one month’s time was given initially – the @tnhrcedept and TN Govt sought one more month’s time. Thereafter, today, when the matter came up, the Govt sought time for 3 more months –
plus it was revealed that that the govt issued a “secret notification” without mentioning any date and only within their Dept website (which incidentally did not work when the Court tried to see the website) calling for applications of Heritage Experts.
It reminded me of 2G licence fraud perpetuated by UPA govt and I said so in the Court.

Hon’ble Division Bench has now directed publication of fresh notice within a week in all leading newspapers giving 2 weeks time for the applicants to file their applications to be a member of the Heritage Commission.

Thereafter the Heritage Commission Committee to be formed within a month and only after approvals from the Heritage Committee any work in an ancient temple can be taken up.

Phew…. Finally some hope for saving our Ancient Temples known for their architectural splendor.

I sincerely hope – TN Govt and @tnhrcedept strictly follow the latest directions of the Hon’ble Division Bench!