Disposed

R.Manibharathi v. State of Tamil Nadu, Represented by

Madras HC20 Jun 2024WP(MD)/13219/2024

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

The Court directed respondents to identify, restore, and protect dilapidated Nagara Mandapas located in Madurai and Virudhunagar districts within five months, relying on Article 51A(f) of the Constitution. The petition was disposed of with a direction to pass a speaking order.

What did the court decide?

Directing respondents to identify, restore, and protect Nagara Mandapas within five months and pass a speaking order.

R.Manibharathi Vs State of Tamil Nadu… — Public Procurement and Tenders | Madras HC (2024)

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT

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DATED : 20.06.2024

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CORAM:

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THE HON'BLE MR .R.MAHADEVAN , ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE and THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

R.Manibharathi

... Petitioner

-vs-

1.State of Tamil Nadu

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Represented by the Principal Secretary Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowment Department State of Tamil Nadu, Fort St. George, Secretariat Chennai – 600 009

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2.State of Tamil Nadu

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Represented by the Principal Secretary Public Work Department State of Tamil Nadu Fort St. George, Secretariat Chennai – 600 009

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3.The Commissioner Department of Archaeology State of Tamil Nadu Tamil Valarchi Valaagam Thamizh Salai, Egmore Chennai – 600 008

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4.The District Collector Office of the District Collector Madurai District

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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5.The District Collector Office of the District Collector Viruthunagar District

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6.The Chief Engineer Office of the Chief Engineer Public Work Department PWD Compound, Thallakulam Madurai

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7.The District Archaeological Officer Office of the District Archaeological Officer Department of Archaeology State of Tamil Nadu Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace Madurai ... Respondents

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PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a writ of mandamus to direct the respondents to take appropriate action for renovate the Nagara Mandapas situated in Kayalkudi Riverbank at Rajapalayam, Shenbagathoppu Village at Srivilliputhur, near Aththi Temple at Watrap (Vathirairuppu) Village, Consequently direct the respondents to identify the Nagara Mandapas situated between Madurai and Viruthunagar District especially in the stretch of NH 744 Madurai - Kollam and take permanent measures to protect the identified Nagara Mandapas in accordance

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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with law within the time stipulated by this Court.

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For Petitioner : Mr.R.Alagumani For Respondents : Mr.P.Thilakkumar Government Pleader

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O R D E R

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R.MAHADEVAN , A.C.J. And G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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Heard both sides.

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2. This writ petition has been filed for identifying, restoring and protecting the “Nagara Mandapas”, situated between Madurai and Virudhunagar Districts.

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3. Madurai region was ruled by Nayak Kings during 17^th Century. King Thirumalai Nayakar was the greatest of them all. He was a devotee of Andal Nachiyar. He donated a drum called “Nagara Murasu” to the temple, which is located at Srivilliputhur. Beat of the said drum would announce performance of poojas at the temple. The King constructed several Nagara

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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Mandapams from Srivilliputhur to Madurai. This drum being a musical instrument was also used for the purpose of announcing important events and festivals to the devotees. The mandapams, which are nearly four centuries old, are a part of the cultural heritage of the State. It is stated that their number is around 50. On the pillars, sculptures have been carved.

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4. The grievance of the petitioner is that these mandapams are in dilapidated condition and that they may fall down at anytime. There is also a danger of encroachment. The petitioner has therefore given a representation for their identification and protection.

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5. No exception can be taken to the petitioner's request.

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6. Article 51A(f) of the Constitution of India mandates that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.

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7. We direct the respondents 3 to 5, under whose jurisdiction the Nagara Mandapas fall, to take note of the petitioner's representation dated 04.06.2024 and do the needful. The aforesaid respondents shall bestow their attention to the questions raised in this writ petition and pass a speaking order setting out the measures proposed by them. Remedial action shall also

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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be taken. The entire exercise shall be completed within a period of five

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months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

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8. The writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs.

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[R.M.D., A.C.J.] [G.R.S., J.]

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20.06.2024

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NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No krk / ias

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To:

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1.The Principal Secretary,

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Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowment Department, State of Tamil Nadu, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009.

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2.The Principal Secretary, Public Work Department, State of Tamil Nadu, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009.

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3.The Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, State of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Valarchi Valaagam, Thamizh Salai, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008.

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4.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Madurai District.

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5.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Viruthunagar District.

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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6.The Chief Engineer, Office of the Chief Engineer, Public Work Department, PWD Compound, Thallakulam, Madurai.

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7.The District Archaeological Officer, Office of the District Archaeological Officer, Department of Archaeology, State of Tamil Nadu, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Madurai.

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R.MAHADEVAN , A.C.J. and G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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krk / ias

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Page 6 of 7

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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W.P.(MD) No.13219 of 2024

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20.06.2024

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_____________ Page 7 of 7_

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https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis

R.Manibharathi v. State of Tamil Nadu, Represented by

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

R.Manibharathi v. State of Tamil Nadu, Represented by

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

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Issues for consideration

Statutes considered

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