An advocate commission, appointed by the Madurai bench of Madras High Court inspected the conditions and facilities at the ‘Navapashana Navagraha Temple’ in the sea at Devipattinam, near here on Sunday as the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department announced the taking over of the historic temple.
Accompanied by senior advocate S. Ramesh, advocate S. Sankaran, who headed the commission, inspected the facilities after holding discussions with the representatives of the local panchayat, the Ramanathapuram Samasthanam, the HR and CE Department, general public and pilgrims.
“We have collected all information, and after a detailed study, we will file the report before the court within the stipulated time,” Mr. Sankaran told The Hindu after completing his visit.
Four hours at temple
The commission, which arrived at the temple around 8 a.m., spent more than four hours.
A Division Bench comprising Justice R. Sudhakar and Justice V.M. Velumani had appointed the commission on a public interest litigation filed by one Murugesan from Devipattinam. It directed the Commission to file the status report by September 1.
The petitioner alleged that the seawater, in which the temple is located, was highly polluted and pilgrims, who visited the temple from all parts of the country, hesitated to take the holy dip.
The local panchayat, which collected entry and parking fees, failed to provide basic facilities.
‘Unauthorised’ persons were allowed to conduct the rituals and fleece the pilgrims, the petitioner alleged. T.S. Rojali Sumatha, HR and CE Assistant Commissioner, Paramakudi, deposed before the commission on the orders of the High Court.
The department has displayed boards near the temple, announcing the taking over of the temple.
The HR and CE had taken over the management of the temple on court orders following complaints of mismanagement, sources said.
A petition has alleged that the seawater, in which the temple is located, is highly polluted
