RAMA RAVIKUMAR Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to take appropriate legal action against the persons responsible for the damage, destruction and removal of ancient rock-cut idols at Courtallam Main Falls, to ensure protection and preservation of the said idols and heritage structures, and for the restoration / reinstallation of the idols in their original places of consecration.

(2.) The petitioner is a devotee and has a genuine interest in the protection of Hindu religious institutions, heritage and the environment. The Arulmigu Kutralanatha Swamy Temple is situated near the Courtallam slopes reserve forest under the control of the respondents. In and around the Main Falls, several ancient rock-cut sculptures and stone idols exist. Despite this, several rock-cut sculptures were allegedly damaged by workers engaged by the Water Resources Department. Several idols were broken and removed from their original places of consecration, carried out by unskilled labourers without any archaeological expertise or supervision, under the guise of renovation and development works. The destruction and removal of such idols not only offends religious sentiments but also constitutes punishable offences. Therefore, the petitioner submitted a representation to take appropriate action against those responsible for the damage, destruction and removal of ancient rock-cut idols at Courtallam Main Falls.

(3.) This Court, on 6/5/2026, at the time of admission, directed the parties to maintain status quo and thereafter, on 7/5/2026, extended the interim order of status quo until further orders.