The Supreme Court will hear the petition filed by TVS Motor Company Chairman Venu Srinivasan and others on November 18.
This was in connection with the alleged idol theft case.
The case revolves around accusations that Srinivasan and others replaced an antique idol.
This idol was replaced at the Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu with another one.
During the latest hearing, the petitioners’ counsel told the bench about a circular letter in the case.
Furthermore, they asked the court to postpone the hearing.
The court accepted the plea and postponed the hearing to November 18.
However, Justice Surya Kant remarked that the Tamil Nadu government faces a difficult situation in this case.
The case originated after devotee Rangarajan Narasimhan complained, leading Tamil Nadu Police to file an FIR against Srinivasan.
The businessman has consistently maintained his innocence. In his plea before the Madras High Court, Srinivasan stated that he had no involvement in any illegal activity.
He had personally contributed ₹70 lakh from his own funds for temple renovation between 2004 and 2019.
His contributions included painting, flooring, and other restoration works at the Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple.
Srinivasan also informed the court that the government had formed a Temple Renovation Committee. He said he was appointed as one of its members during that period.
He claimed that the authorities ignored his renovation efforts and registered the FIR on baseless and malicious grounds.
Srinivasan emphasised his devotion to Lord Kapaleeswarar (Shiva) and asserted that he had no connection with the alleged idol theft.
Following the Madras High Court’s order, the Tamil Nadu Idol Theft Wing formed a special team to investigate the missing idols.
Meanwhile, one of the co-accused, N Thirumagal, was denied bail by the Madras High Court but later granted relief by the Supreme Court.
The upcoming hearing on November 18 will determine the next course of action.
This high-profile case is one that intertwines faith, heritage and reputation.
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