R DAMODARAN Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR,; REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICER, REVENUE DIVISIONAL OFFICE,; EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ARAVAKURICHI SPECIAL GRADE PANCHAYAT AND VIVEKANANDAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The writ petition is filed seeking for a prayer directing the respondents to pay a sum of Rs. 5 lakhs as compensation for the illegal demolition of the Vinayager Temple situated in Town Survey No. 1400/18 at Aravakurichi Village, Karur District.

(2.) The grievance of the petitioner is that there is a Mariamman Temple situated at Aravakurichi Village. As a Sub Temple of the said Mariamman Temple, a Vinayager Temple is situated in Survey No. 1400/18. The entire land in the survey number, according to the petitioner, is on the Eastern side of Karur to Dindigul main road and it is also claimed that the temple was more than 150 years old. However, there is no proof for the same filed in the typed set and it is only a mere assertion. It is also claimed that in the area around the Temple the petitioner had constructed shops and had leased it out on monthly rental basis. He also claims that he is paying tax and having electricity connection.

(3.) It is stated that the impleaded 4th respondent had purchased the said property from one Subburaj and had constructed a shopping complex in that survey number. The construction was done in such a manner, the access to the said building was not available from the Southern side. Though it is asserted that the Survey No. 1400/18 is a Natham property and Natham patta was also issued in the name of the Temple and no document was also filed.