HC stays construction of toilet close to temple tower

The Madras High Court today stayed the construction of a toilet close to a tower of the famous Nellaiappar temple at Tirunelveli,140 km from here.
Justice R.Mahadevan of the Madurai Bench, who stayed the construction undertaken by the Tirunelveli Municipal corporation, ordered issue of notice to the Tirunelveli Corporation Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Commissioner and executive officer of the temple.
The petitioner Sudhakar, a devotee, said the temple, dedicated to Nellaiappar and Gandhimathy Amman, was internationally renowned and famous for its magnificent sculptures. Tourists from all over the country visited the temple every year. The shrine had been constructed by forefathers as per 'Agama Sastra' and 'Vasthu.'

The proposed toilet adjoining the northern tower of the temple was against agama (temple pooja rules) and sastras, the petitioner submitted.