HC moved against proposed demolition of church

A parish priest has moved the Madras High Court Bench here seeking to quash an order of the district administration for demolishing a church allegedly at the instigation of Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK).
Petitioner A.Joseph submitted that the St.Mary's Church in Andipatti Kanavai was in possession and enjoyment of the site for 80 years and had been given electricity connection. The issue relating to the grant of patta in favour of the Parish was pending for a long time.
Whileso, the Madurai district administration had issued the demolition order for removing the structure and has also sought police protection, he claimed.

The tehsildhar did not provide any notice before issuing the demolition order. Though a representation of the HMK was quoted as a reason for the demoltion, a copy of it had not been provided to the Parish, he said.
The petitioner said he had also submitted a fresh application for patta. The concerned Village Administrative Officer had inspected the area and entered in the Revenue records in 1988 that possession of the areas by the Parish was "non objectionable", he contended.
Justice B.Rajendran, before whom the petition came up, directed the Parish priest to explain to the official's notice as to why they could not remove the structures within 15 days and the said the officials could act according to law after the receipt of the explanation.

Similarly, the tehsildhar also should reply to the Parish priest's application demanding patta for the land within 15 days as per law.