Madras High Court (File photo | EPS) 
Chennai

Madras High Court orders removal of encroachment by Chennai temple within three months

This follows a plea moved by Arappor Iyakkam against the management of the Kalasathamman temple that had encroached on a public road by building an extra hall on public land

Harish Murali

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the state government to remove the encroachment made by the Kalasathamman temple on a public road at Ramapuram within three months.

This follows a plea moved by Arappor Iyakkam against the management of the Kalasathamman temple that had encroached on a public road by building an extra hall on public land.

Earlier, the court directed that a report be filed after a joint inspection at the site by any person deputed by the commissioner of the Chennai corporation along with the concerned tahsildar and a representative of the temple.

The counsel for the petitioner argued that though the tahsildar admitted that the temple administration had encroached on public land and obstructed the pathway, the authorities refused to remove the encroachment claiming that it would create a law and order issue.

On Thursday, the state submitted that the authorities concerned inspected the entire area and assured the court that action will be initiated soon.

The bench was also informed that interim orders of the court put to continuation due to the ongoing pandemic are in place till July 15.

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy recording the submissions directed the authorities concerned to complete the entire exercise in three months.

Interview | ‘ONOE well within institutional, administrative capacity’

Indian captain hailed as 'true hero' for fighting off co-pilot who tried to crash Flydubai flight

Punjab Congress rift: Amrinder Warring offers to resign as new state chief is likely

Mahanadi water dispute: What are the issues holding up a settlement

A united INDIA bloc closes ranks on ECI row as it charts next political and legal moves