News Tamil Nadu

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd Allegedly Continues Construction Work Near Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple Violating Madras High Court Stay Order

July 25, 2024
The Commune

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has been accused of violating an interim stay order issued by the Madras High Court, which halted construction activities near the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple and Sri Durgai Amman Temple on Whites Road, Chennai. The stay order announced on 32 July 2024, was in response to significant opposition from Royapettah residents and aimed to protect these ancient structures from demolition as part of the Metro Phase II project.

Residents and devotees, represented by the Aalayam Kappom Foundation, initiated protests and legal actions against CMRL’s plans to demolish the five-tier Raja Gopuram of the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple, a structure approximately 30-40 years old, while the temple itself has a history spanning over 250 years. The temple, also known as Sri Durgai Amman Temple, is unique for being the only Durga Temple in Chennai facing North. The gopuram’s demolition was seen as a significant cultural and historical loss.

The Madras High Court previously directed CMRL and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department to consider relocating the gopuram using advanced technology. However, CMRL officials expressed doubts about the feasibility of this solution.

In response, the residents and devotees filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) through the Aalayam Kappom Foundation. On July 23, 2024, temple activist TR Ramesh announced on social media that the High Court had issued a stay order, halting any construction or demolition activities by CMRL around the ancient temples.

Advocate Muthuraj Ramamoorthi, representing the foundation, emphasized the historical significance of these temples, noting their mention in records dating back to British India over 100 years ago.

Despite the stay order, CMRL has continued work for Chennai Metro in the temple’s vicinity, prompting accusations of contempt of court. The HR&CE department, typically responsible for temple oversight, has been criticized for its inaction in enforcing the court’s directive and protecting the temple.

The stay order requires CMRL to reassess its plans and consider alternative sites for the Metro line to avoid interfering with these historically and culturally significant temples.

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