The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to file a status report on the development works being carried out at the Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple in Palani in Dindigul district.
A Division Bench of Justices Anita Sumanth and C. Kumarappan was hearing the petition filed by D. Senthil Kumar of Palani. The petitioner complained that in recent years, several construction projects such as high rise buildings, additional rope car and winch stations and other commercial complexes had been initiated or proposed in and around the temple hill area.
These activities were being carried out without adequate environmental assessment, heritage clearance or public consultation and are likely to cause irreversible damage to the hill ecosystem and disturb the spiritual ambience of the temple, he said.
He said the construction of additional winch stations or rope car facilities on Palani hill is extremely risky due to the steep and sensitive slopes of the hill.
“No geotechnical investigation or environmental impact assessment has been conducted by the HR and CE Department or the temple administration prior to these constructions. Such unassessed constructions pose a serious threat.”
The construction of additional winch stations, rope cars or multistoried buildings must be immediately halted until comprehensive geotechnical, environmental and seismic studies are conducted and certified by qualified experts, he said.
The court observed that the grievance of the petitioner is that the developmental works proposed do not fall within the permitted ambit of construction of development works to be undertaken by the HR and CE Department and would lead to destruction of the hill rather than enhancement of protection of the hill.
The court observed that it would be preferable for the court to have a proper idea of the developmental work as on date and sought a counter affidavit, including a report on the up to date status of the work. The court posted the matter for hearing on December 3.
Published – November 08, 2025 09:08 pm IST
