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.
Good (interim) news!
Hon'ble 1st Bench of Madras High Court stays any construction or demolition work by Chennai Metro Rail in and adjacent to the ancient temples of Sri Durgai Amman, Whites road and Sri Rathina Vinayagar – ancient temples that are found mentioned in… pic.twitter.com/luCuyimrrB
— trramesh (@trramesh) July 23, 2024
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.
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd – brazenly violates the Interim Stay Order issued by Hon'ble 1st Bench of the Madras High Court – and carries work near Sri Durgai Amman Temple, Whites Road, Chennai
The officials of the @tnhrcedept who regularly come to take the Hundie money… pic.twitter.com/gFkVUOXvZY
— trramesh (@trramesh) July 24, 2024
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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