In response to mounting opposition from Royapettah residents, the Madras High Court has issued a stay on any construction or demolition work by Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) that would affect the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple and the Sri Durgai Amman Temple on Whites Road. This decision announced on 23 July 2024, halts the planned demolition of the temple’s tower as part of the Metro Phase II project.
Background And Legal Proceedings
The controversy began when residents and devotees protested the CMRL’s plan to demolish the five-tier Raja Gopuram of the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple, which is approximately 30-40 years old. The temple itself has stood for over 250 years. The temple, also known as the Sri Durgai Amman Temple, is the only Durga Temple in Chennai facing North. The residents argue that the gopuram’s demolition would be a significant cultural loss.
The Madras High Court previously asked CMRL and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department to explore the possibility of relocating the gopuram using advanced technology. However, a CMRL official expressed doubts about the viability of this solution.
Residents and devotees, represented by the Aalayam Kappom Foundation, challenged the demolition through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The court was scheduled to hear reports from the respective counsels on the feasibility of relocating the gopuram.
On 23 July 2024, temple activist TR Ramesh announced via his social media handle that the Hon’ble 1st Bench of the Madras High Court had issued a stay order on any construction or demolition activities by CMRL in and around the ancient temples. Advocate Muthuraj Ramamoorthi was representing the Aalayam Kappom Foundation. Ramesh emphasized the cultural significance of these temples, noting their mention in records dating back to British India over 100 years ago.
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
The stay order requires CMRL to reassess its plans and consider alternative sites for the Metro line that do not interfere with these historically and culturally significant temples.
(with inputs from TNIE)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.