HC asks HRCE to follow UNESCO suggestions on temple renovation

Chennai, Aug 24 (PTI) The Madras High Court has directedthe Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department tofollow the suggestions of UNESCO in connection with therenovation of temples and heritage structures in Tamil Naduand file a status report on the progress made by October 25. The First Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay KishanKaul and Justice R Mahadevan passed an interim order yesterdayafter taking cognisance of a batch of PILs on renovation workof temples and heritage structures. "We are of the view that the HR&CE department shouldproceed in terms of the suggestions of United NationsEducational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) ascontained in the letters dated July 15, 2016 and August18, 2016 and hold further discussions and thereafter file astatus report before this vourt on the progress made and whatis the time schedule within which the remaining aspects has tobe addressed, in a chart form." In 2015, the court had directed the HR&CE department to goslow on the matter of renovation for the time being till aproper course of action was evolved to protect the ancientstructures. The bench also perused the letters of UNESCO that hadsuggested that the state government set up a committee ofconservation experts and stakeholders to identify the issuesin conservation practise through case studies of temples,where conservation projects are underway. Noting that availability of institutional and legalframework to ensure conservation as per international normsis needed to get World Heritage status, the bench observedthat a review of current practises would be the first step. Recording submissions of Assistant Solicitor GeneralSu Srinivasan, appearing on behalf of Archaeological Survey ofIndia, who referred to encroachments near monuments inMahabalipuram, it noted that ASI had filed photographs beforeit, showing the extent of the problem where large areas hadbeen encroached on, even blocking the view of the monuments. Making it clear that any litigation initiated on thesesubjects shall be listed only before it,the bench posted thematter for further hearing to October 25. PTI CORR ROH APRSCMAV