justice Anita Sumanth and justice C Kumarappan observed that Iraniyan Kottai is a protected heritage site as per the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission Act, 2012. “Upon perusal of the photographs of several buildings and facilities, we find several two and four-wheelers inside the Iraniyan Kottai

[21/11, 11:03] Sekarreporter: 👍
[22/11, 08:46] Sekarreporter: ”
OPEN APP
News
TOI Games
Live Videos
Habit Index 2025
World
India
City
Life & Style
Entertainment
Business
Tech
Cricket
Sports
TV
Web Series
Education
Speaking Tree
Voice Of Conscience
TOI Newsletters
TOI Flashreads

Designate Iraniyan Kottai Of Kallazhagar Temple As Vehicle-Free Zone: HC
CITY
|
Kaushik Kannan | Nov 21, 2025, 23:40 IST

Share

Madurai: Madras high court has directed that the Iraniyan Kottai (inner ring) of the Kallazhagar temple in Alagarkoil, Madurai district, be designated as a vehicle-free zone.
A division bench of justice Anita Sumanth and justice C Kumarappan observed that Iraniyan Kottai is a protected heritage site as per the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission Act, 2012.
“Upon perusal of the photographs of several buildings and facilities, we find several two and four-wheelers inside the Iraniyan Kottai. This is detrimental to the heritage site and the maintenance and upkeep thereof. We thus believe that Iraniyan Kottai must be made a vehicle-free zone,” the judges observed.
The judges noted that the temple presently runs two buggies and wheelchairs for the use of senior citizens, differently-abled visitors, and those who are sick or infirm. The authorities may consider acquiring additional buggies and wheelchairs, bearing in mind the convenience of the devotees. Necessary action shall be taken in this regard forthwith.
There are some buildings located within impermissible limits of protected monuments, such as the building near the Nandanar Mandapam. They shall be removed forthwith. Likewise, the sheds and temporary structures, apart from those erected to store building material, shall be removed, the judges directed.
The judges directed the temple authorities to produce all documents for undertaking the feasibility study in 2020. The state and temple shall produce instructions or circulars issued by the commissioner of the HR and CE department, providing guidelines on the manner by which expenditure is to be incurred by the temple authorities.
The court issued the directions while hearing a batch of public interest litigations filed challenging the commercial construction activities using surplus temple funds within or in the immediate vicinity of the premises of Kallazhagar temple.

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India’s Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

Start a Conversation
Post Comment

Popular From City
‘All 140 MLAs are mine’: DK Shivakumar on Karnataka CM post speculation; Siddaramaiah responds
‘Papa, I am not feeling well’: Thrashed in train for ‘not speaking in Marathi’, Maharashtra college student kills self
Delhi school suicide case: How ‘warning’ over dance practice pushed St Columba’s Class 10 student to the brink
Three mega railway terminals to redraw Hyderabad’s travel map
‘I am sorry mom, I broke your heart’: Massive protest outside Delhi school after Class 10 student jumps to death from metro station
More News
Follow Us On Social Media

Get notifications on latest TOI news
End Of Article
Trending Stories
IND vs BAN: Heartbreak for India A as Bangladesh win Super Over to reach final
Jahmyr Gibbs and Nicole Anderson’s romance echoes the deep affection Myles Garrett has for Chloe Kim
How Rich Is Lindsey Vonn Today? Breaking Down Her 2025 Net Worth
Big workforce reform! Four Labour Codes made effective to simplify and streamline labour laws – check top details
Gracie Hunt’s relationship timeline: A look at Chiefs’ heiress past romances and her new partner
Tejas fighter jet crashes in Dubai during air show; fate of pilot unknown – watch
RRB NTPC UG result 2025 PDF released with CBT 1 cut off marks details at regional websites; check here
Gold & silver price prediction today: Why Rs 1,22,000 is an important level for gold investors? Top things to know
Gold price prediction today: Where is gold headed in the coming days? Check gold rate outlook
Jaiprakash Associates bid: Adani edges out Vedanta; creditors choose higher upfront payment
More Trending Stories
Featured In City
Red Fort blast probe: Pak handlers fed sermons,