The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on 1 September 2025 issued a status quo order halting ongoing civil works at the ancient Sri Kallazhagar Temple in Azhagarkoil, Madurai. The division bench, comprising Justice Anita Sumanth and Justice Kumarappan, intervened following concerns raised over the misuse of temple funds and violation of the temple’s religiously significant open spaces.
The temple, located in a forested area, has historically preserved open spaces of religious importance. Officials from the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department had reportedly initiated extensive civil works, including plans for a new Yatri Nivas, despite the existing structure being in a state of disrepair.
Advocates representing the temple and devotees argued that these projects were unnecessary and involved excessive expenditure. The court noted that while the temple currently has approximately ₹40 crore in funds, the proposed civil works would require an additional ₹70 crore, potentially pushing the temple towards financial instability.
The final hearing in the case is scheduled for 15 September 2025.
Advocate Arun Swaminathan appeared in court representing the devotees and the temple.
The status quo order marks another instance where the Madras High Court has intervened to protect temple assets and prevent misuse of funds.
More Good News regarding Temples from the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court
Today – Madurai Division Bench of Hon. Justice Shrimati Anita Sumanth and Hon. Justice Shri Kumarappan issued an order of Status Quo –
halting the uncalled for Civil Works that are being carried… pic.twitter.com/HB2fiSk747
— trramesh (@trramesh) September 1, 2025
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