Madras High Court

The Madras High Court has ordered the removal of a Mother Velankanni shrine in Chennai, ruling that religious structures cannot occupy public roads. The court emphasized that streets must remain clear for public use, regardless of the structure's religious significance.

Government officials removed a festival flag hoisted by the Sikandar Badusha Dargah on Thirupparankundram Hill, citing its location on temple-owned land. The action followed a Madras High Court order seeking an explanation for the encroachment. While the temple administration claims due process was followed, the dargah side has filed a counter-complaint, escalating the local land dispute.

On Friday (9th January), the Madras High Court rapped the Madurai administration for failing to file a response in the contempt of court case...

The court criticised the administration for amplifying mistrust instead of mediation, rejected claims about custom and public order, and held that authorities cannot veto long associated religious practices through speculative fears or administrative convenience.

Poorna Chandran left a voice message to a friend, later shared with his family, expressing his intent to end his life in protest against the DML government’s refusal to permit lighting the sacred lamp at the traditional "Deepathoon" atop the hill