The Madras High Court has temporarily restrained the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department from continuing construction works within the premises and periphery of the Arunachaleswarar temple at Tiruvannamalai. The bench observed that the new works could compromise the temple’s heritage value.

A special division bench of Justices R Suresh Kumar and S Sounthar issued the interim injunction while hearing petitions challenging the construction of a queue complex and basic amenities for devotees.

Photographs submitted by petitioner and temple activist T. R. Ramesh showed permanent structures with concrete beams and pillars being built very close to the temple’s compound wall. The judges said such proximity would diminish the temple’s archaeological importance and aesthetic beauty.

The bench also questioned whether construction outside the temple was permissible, noting that the matter had been under judicial consideration for some time. The state pleader for HR&CE informed the court that a proposed row shop complex outside the temple had been shelved, but a queue complex with waiting halls was being built for devotees instead.

However, the court pointed out that the narrow gap between the heritage wall and the new complex could prove more of a hindrance than a help to worshippers, besides harming the temple’s visual appeal.

The HR&CE department has been directed to file a detailed justification report with supporting documents. Until then, the court has barred further construction inside or outside the temple precincts. The bench also indicated plans to inspect the site on 5 October and adjourned the hearing to 16 October.