Sri Sri’s event shifted after stir, court stay

Police arrested the protesters while the event was shifted to a wedding hall in Nanjikottai, Thanjavur, after the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Friday issued a stay on the event being held on the temple premises.

A group of CITU cadre led by executive member Manoharan was also part of the stir raising slogans against Palace Devasdhanam for allowing the event to take place. After receiving information, the police, led by SP Senthil Kumar rushed to the spot and held talks with the agitating members. After they refused to disperse, police arrested them.

Despite severe opposition, organisers continued preparatory work. By then, Big Temple Rights Retrieval Commmitee members led by president Aiynapuram C Murugesan assembled near Sivagangai Park and began protesting. They were stopped at Cholan roundabout by a team led by ADSP Balachandran and arrested. Heavy police force was deployed around the temple.

Earlier, a division bench comprising Justices KK Sasidharan and PD Audikesaavalu directed all temporary structures to be removed from the temple and directed ASI to explain why permission was granted for a private event at a place of worship.

While speaking to DTNext, P Maniarasan, coordinator, Big Temple Rights Retreival Committee, said ASI had earlier prevented installation of the Peruvudayar idol citing norms but granted permission to this corporate spiritual leader. “The Chief Minister should intervene and initiate action against the guilty,” Maniarasan added.