The Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer of Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple has told the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that the renovation work of Pudu Mandapam near the temple will be completed by the end of this year.

Executive Officer N. Suresh filed the petition seeking extension of time to comply with the 2024 High Court order. In July 2024, the court disposed of a public interest litigation petition filed by advocate R. Manibharathi of Madurai and directed temple authorities to complete the renovation of Pudu Mandapam in six months.

He said the restoration work was a heritage sensitive project involving traditional techniques and historical materials. The temple administration was committed to ensuring that the conservation work was done in accordance with archaeological standards and in consultation with experts to preserve the historical, religious, and cultural significance of the mandapam.

The temple has engaged the services of skilled artisans, sculptors and experts who are specially trained in temple architecture and traditional methods. However, due to the limited availability of artisans and their simultaneous involvement in Kumbabhishekam related works on the main temple premises, there has been an inevitable delay in mobilisation and execution, he said.

If the works were to be rushed solely to meet the original deadline, it could compromise the quality, authenticity, and safety. The temple authorities, being custodians of a historical and spiritual monument, are duty bound to uphold its sanctity and structural integrity. It is necessary to carry out the work in a structured stage by stage manner. It will help preserve its archaeological value. Due to the nature of the work and processes involved, work could not be completed before the end of 2024, he said.

The temple authorities have taken steps to implement the directions of the court. The delay is neither willful nor wanton but due to bonafide reasons. The work would be completed by the end of this year, he said.

A Division Bench of Justices Anita Sumanth and C. Kumarappan directed the temple authorities to file a status report regarding the further progress made in the renovation work of Pudu Mandapam.