The Madras High Court ordered the Archaeological Survey of India to depute a team to inspect the temple named Eganaathar Gurumadam and land adjacent to it and prepare report on it for further actions.
“The Archaeological Survey of India is also directed to depute a team of experts to make an inspection of this place and file a report before the next date of hearing.”
The above observation was made by the Division bench of the High Court, comprising of the Justice M. M. Sundresh and Justice S. Anathi while dealing with the Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue Writ of Mandamus or any other writ or direction or order in nature of writ, to conduct dedicated archaeological excavation in Eganaathar Gurumadam and the open place located adjacent to the Eganaathar Gurumadam and other places in and around the outskirts of Kinnimangalam Village, Thirumanagalm Taluk, Madurai District.
Factual background
A Writ Petition was filed by the petitioner named Arulanandam to bring the attention of the High Court for seeking direction to conduct an archaeological excavation in Eganaathar Gurumadam Temple and the adjacent land Kinnimangalam Village, Thirumanagalm Taluk, Madurai. It was presumed by the petitioner that excavation will help to rewrite the history and certain inscripted depicted pillar will also found.
Court Reasoning & Judgment
The Court directed all the eight respondents to carry their work according to their functions. The Court ordered Tamil University (Respondent No. 6) that:
"it is the competent authority to find out the meaning and age of the language used. It appears that initially Tamil Brahmin script used three different words, namely, "Eagan," "Aathan" and "Kottam" while he subsequent one combines them. Therefore, a thorough study is required. The practice of the area appears to be burying of the Siddhars in and around the temple precincts along with the materials used by them, which is being conducted even now by the descendants.”
The Court made Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department as suo motu party to the case which was befitted to pass necessary and appropriate orders as per the prevailing situations. State of Tamil Nadu was also ordered to make a joint inspection with Tamil University which would be distinct from Archaeological Survey of India inspection team and will submit their reports in the prescribed time.
The Bench had accepted the petition and post the matter on 30.03.2021, for passing further orders.
Case Details
Case: WP(MD) No.6023 of 2021
Petitioner: Arulanandam. M
Respondent: The Union of India & Ors
Counsel for the Respondent: Mrs. J.Victoria Gowri, Mr. K. P. Krishnakumar, Mr. K. Ragatheesh Kumar
Quorum: Justice M. M. Sundresh and Justice S. Ananthi
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