The New Indian Express ·
Court puts on hold HR&CE takeover of Madurai temple
MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday kept in abeyance an order passed by the Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE), Dindigul, on August 31, for taking administrative control of the Muthalamman and Mariamman temple of Uthapuram village in Madurai.
A bench of justices GR Swaminathan and R Poornima gave the direction while hearing a contempt petition filed by G Pandi, a resident of the village, The judges also issued statutory notice to the joint commissioner.
Uthapuram witnessed communal riots in the past, including erection and demolition of an untouchability wall. After a dispute arose between two communities regarding the administration and form of worship, the temple was closed by authorities in 2015. It was reopened based on the order passed by a single judge of the high court in July 2024.
