The petition mentioned about four age old temples of Namakkal, Tiruppur and Erode districts (Representational image)
Taking serious view of demolition of a about 400-year-old temple, the Madras High Court has directed the consultant Archaeologist/Conservationist K T Narasimhan to appear in person before the Court.
The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana hearing a PIL filed by one Rangarajan Narasimhan in their order said it was a matter of great concern that a 400-year-old temple has been demolished on an opinion of a Consultant/Archaeologist/Conservationist on the basis of the information gathered by him that the temple is the root cause of some "inauspicious incidents".
The petition mentioned about four age old temples of Namakkal, Tiruppur and Erode districts of which three were demolished on a report filed by the conservationist, who in one case allegedly said that unless the existing temple is demolished the inauspicious incidents in the village will not come to an end.
In another case, the demolition was recommended because the temple was not built as per "Dravida Style" and in third case demolition was done allegedly on the basis of the pronouncement of a Kerala witchcraft specialist.
Claiming the three demolished temples have rich archaeological importance and the rock pillars were in existence for more than 100 years, the petitioner sought the removal of the conservationist.
The petitioner also sought for an interim order restraining the HR&CE department from continuing any renovation work of the temples in Tamil Nadu.
The bench ordered issue of notice to the department and directed the consultant to remain present in the court and posted the matter for further hearing along with the Suo Motu proceedings which are scheduled to come for hearing on November 30.