The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has directed the authorities to carry out the remaining development work at the Courtallam main falls in Tenkasi district in the presence of officials from the State Archaeology Department.
Court's Observations and Directions
A division bench comprising Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan and Justice K Rajasekar observed that the authorities have a duty to protect the historical, cultural, and archaeological significance of the Courtallam region. They must take necessary precautionary measures to preserve and protect the heritage structures. The judges directed the authorities to ensure that the carvings engraved on the rock surfaces are safe and that development activities are carried out without causing damage to any sculptures, ancient idols, or rock-cut idols. Additionally, the Tenkasi district collector shall conduct an inquiry regarding the damage caused to the rock-cut idols at the falls.
Background of the PIL
The court passed the order while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Rama Ravikumar. He stated that when he visited the place on May 1 and 2, he found several rock-cut idols were damaged and removed from their original place by the workers without any archaeological expertise or supervision under the guise of renovation and development works. Hence, he moved the court.
Authorities' Submissions
During the course of the hearing, the authorities submitted that officials from the archaeology department conducted an inspection and submitted a report stating there was no damage caused to the carvings engraved on the rock surfaces. However, while digging the surface land, unfortunately, one idol was damaged. There are about 65 rock-cut idols engraved in the main rock hills area, and all such carvings remain intact.
