Corporation drags feet on demolition of temple

Chennai: Despite a 2014 Madras high court order for demolition, the Om Sakthimariamman temple on Armenian Street opposite the high court in Broadway stands tall. The court had issued the order citing encroachment of public space.
Residents of the area said in addition to the temple encroaching upon land meant for use to public, it is also using electricity from a nearby TNEB junction box.
'Traffic' Ramaswamy, one of the petitioners who had called for the temple to be brought down, said, "I filed the petition in 2008 calling for two temples outside the HC premises to be brought down. One was demolished when I filed contempt in 2014. Corporation is yet to demolish the other. I am planning to file another contempt to make them fall in line," he said.
R Pushparaj alias Pushpa, a transgender who is the priest of the temple, however, had a different story to tell. "The land for the temple was gifted by a gentleman and is classified as private. It doesn't come in way of public at all."
H Seemabasheer, councillor, ward 60, George Town, where the temple is situated, said steps would be taken soon to demolish the temple. Zonal officer R Balasubramaniyam, evaded queries on why the demolition was pending.