SC stays demolition of temple built by residents’ association in Madurai

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed demolition of a temple allegedly constructed without valid permission by a residents’ welfare association in Madurai.

A Bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manmohan issued notice to Madurai Corporation on a petition filed by Visthara Welfare Association, challenging a Madras High Court order directing the temple’s demolition.

The association, represented by senior advocate D.S. Naidu and advocate G. Balaji, said the High Court had ordered the demolition of the structure even before the parties could file any pleadings. The court listed the case on August 25.

The temple was alleged to have been illegally built without permission on the plot earmarked as open space land of an apartment complex.

The High Court, while directing its demolition, said the apartment owners’ association had not produced any permission for the construction of the temple in the open space.