Conduct accident-free Thai Poosam at Palani: HC Bench

December 16, 2013 10:46 am | Updated 11:01 am IST - MADURAI:

The Madras High Court bench here has directed the Dindigul district administration and the authorities of Dhandayuthapani Temple to organise ‘a smooth and an accident free’ Thai Poosam festival in January 2014.

A Division Bench comprising Justices R. Sudhakar and S. Vaidyanathan issued the direction based on a public interest litigation filed by C. Arun alias Arunachalam, a Madurai based advocate.

In his petition, Mr. Arun said the ‘Giri Veedhi’ near the temple has become congested because of construction of commercial establishments by the temple administration.

At least 36 shops were constructed by the temple administration near the Kudamuzhukku Arangam on Giri Veedhi, without obtaining permission from the Palani Municipality.

These shops and several other shops owned by private parties were in violation of the Tamil Nadu Municipality Act and a hindrance during the Thai Poosam festival, he claimed.

Besides, encroachments on various roads across Dindigul district leading to Palani posed problems to the lakhs of devotees, mostly ‘padayatris’, who visit the temple, he added. The encroachments have resulted in several accidents wherein the devotees were injured, he further said.

He pleaded with the court to issue a direction to the District Collector and the Joint Commissioner of the Palani temple to take steps to prevent any accidents and to clear all encroachments. His representations to the officials went unanswered, he added. In their order, the judges directed the officials to consider the petitioner’s representation in accordance with law and ensure a smooth and an accident-free ‘Thai Poosam’.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.