Madras HC Halts Constructions at Tiruvannamalai Temple

03 Oct 2025 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..