Madurai High Court Investigates Missing Idols and Jewels at Adikesava Perumal Temple
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has taken action to investigate the disappearance of idols and jewels from the Adikesava Perumal Temple in Thiruvattar, located in the Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. A retired high court judge has been appointed to lead this investigation.
Background of the Case
This decision comes after the court expressed frustration over the lack of compliance with its previous orders in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Thangappan from Thiruvattaru. Thangappan sought protection for the temple’s properties, including its golden kalasam and ornaments, which were not displayed during the Kumbabishekam ceremony.
Court’s Actions
The bench, comprising Justices R Subramanian and L Victoria Gowri, imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Rathinavelpandian, the joint commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, for failing to follow the court’s orders. The court also suggested disciplinary measures against him.
Investigation Details
The appointed judge is expected to submit a report within three months. Thangappan had previously requested information under the Right to Information Act regarding the temple’s golden ornaments and a 1992 theft case involving a missing golden angavastram and other valuable items. He alleged that the gold sivalingam from the moolasthanam is also missing.
Doubts Revealed
Madurai High Court -: The Madurai High Court is a part of the Madras High Court, which is one of the oldest high courts in India. It is located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu and deals with legal cases from that region.
Adikesava Perumal Temple -: The Adikesava Perumal Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Thiruvattar, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as Adikesava Perumal.
Public Interest Litigation -: Public Interest Litigation, or PIL, is a legal action taken in a court of law for the protection of public interest. It allows individuals or groups to seek justice on behalf of the public, especially when the rights of a large number of people are affected.
Thangappan -: Thangappan is the person who filed the Public Interest Litigation in this case. He is concerned about the missing idols and jewels from the temple and wants them to be protected.
Rathinavelpandian -: Rathinavelpandian is a joint commissioner who was fined by the court for not following its orders. A joint commissioner is a senior official in charge of certain administrative duties.
Gold Sivalingam -: A gold Sivalingam is a sacred symbol in Hinduism representing Lord Shiva. It is often made of precious materials like gold and is used in worship and rituals.