Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has found itself at the center of controversy for disregarding the Madras High Court’s stay order on the demolition of a temple tower. The court’s ruling, issued on July 23, 2024, was intended to halt construction activities near the historic Sri Rathina Vinayagar and Sri Durgai Amman Temples on Whites Road, Chennai, as part of the Metro Phase II project.
The stay order came in response to vehement opposition from residents of Royapettah who sought to safeguard these venerable structures from demolition. However, CMRL stands accused of flouting the court’s decision and proceeding with its construction activities, much to the dismay of the public.
The five-tier Raja Gopuram of the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple, which has stood for approximately 30-40 years, was slated for demolition by CMRL, despite the temple itself boasting a rich history spanning over 250 years. The temple, also known as Sri Durgai Amman Temple, is a cherished cultural landmark as the only Durga Temple in Chennai facing North. The proposed demolition of the temple tower has been met with widespread outrage, as it signifies a significant loss to Chennai’s cultural and historical heritage.
In response to CMRL’s plans, residents and devotees, represented by the Aalayam Kappom Foundation (Temple Protection Foundation-TPF), have actively protested and pursued legal avenues to prevent the demolition. Advocate Muthuraj Ramamoorthi, speaking on behalf of the foundation, highlighted the temples’ historical significance, citing records dating back to British India over 100 years ago.
On July 23, 2024, temple activist TR Ramesh took to social media to announce the High Court’s stay order, effectively halting any construction or demolition activities by CMRL in the vicinity of the ancient temples.
Prior to the court’s intervention, the Madras High Court had instructed CMRL and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department to explore alternative options such as relocating the gopuram using advanced technology. However, CMRL officials expressed reservations about the feasibility of such a solution, leading to the current impasse.
Despite the stay order, CMRL has continued work in the vicinity of the temple, prompting accusations of contempt of court. The HR and CE department, typically responsible for temple oversight, has been criticized for its inaction in enforcing the court’s directive and protecting the temple. The stay order requires CMRL to reassess its plans and consider alternative sites for the Metro line to avoid interfering with these historically and culturally significant temples.
Ramesh in his tweet on social media platform X said “Chennai Metro Rail Ltd – brazenly violates the Interim Stay Order issued by Hon’ble 1st Bench of the Madras High Court – and carries work near Sri Durgai Amman Temple, Whites Road, Chennai. The officials of the @tnhrcedept who regularly come to take the Hundie money collected in the temple – are now NOWHERE near the temple – they have done NOTHING to save this ancient Temple – either through Govt or through Court”.
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd – brazenly violates the Interim Stay Order issued by Hon'ble 1st Bench of the Madras High Court – and carries work near Sri Durgai Amman Temple, Whites Road, Chennai
The officials of the @tnhrcedept who regularly come to take the Hundie money… pic.twitter.com/JXzpdOHGYC
— trramesh (@trramesh) July 24, 2024
Another netizen said “the CMRL and it’s contractor URC employees just don’t care about the court interim stay order, in spite of detailed explanation to their supervisors and safety officers. In spite of complaint given to DCP on 22nd July. @Sevakofmata @karthikgnath@Bhairavinachiya @par_the_nomad”.
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