HC allows Ram temple groundbreaking ceremony at Akiveedu

Vijayawada: Putting an end to the controversy over the construction of Sri Ram temple at Akiveedu in West Godavari district, the Andhra Pradesh high court on Thursday gave a green light for the groundbreaking ceremony on May 3, observing that construction of the temple can proceed as long as all permissions are obtained. At the request of the petitioner, the high court dismissed the petition as withdrawn.One V Joshna Devi and two others moved the high court, challenging the construction of the temple in Survey No. 470-12 at Pedapeta, under Akiveedu mandal. The petitioners argued that Gonthenamma temple was located on a portion of the land in question, and that the remaining land is used as a Rachabanda (meeting point) by locals.Arguing on behalf of the petitioners, Jada Sravan Kumar said it is govt land and, as per the directions of the Supreme Court, no religious construction should be made on any govt land. Arguing on behalf of the temple committee, senior counsel Y V Ravi Prasad said the revenue records clearly state that the land in question is temple land, and it was also mentioned as Ramalayam since 1932.He further argued that it was not a new construction, as the temple, which is in a dilapidated condition, is only being reconstructed. He further stated that all requisite permissions have been obtained from the authorities concerned, including NOC from the district collector and plan approval from the panchayat.Considering the submissions on both sides, Justice Ravi Cheemalapati said the groundbreaking for temple reconstruction can proceed, as all permissions have been obtained, and directed the respondents to file counter-affidavits.