While the Court was firm on the issue of encroachment, it did not ignore the allegations made against the petitioner regarding the illegal use of his property for a bar or explosives trade.

However, Justice Lakshminarayana clarified that these allegations were separate from the issue of the public street encroachment. The Court gave Daniel the liberty to initiate separate legal proceedings if he believed the petitioner was violating the law through his business activities. The current petition, the Court noted, was strictly about the unauthorized shrine on public land.

The Madras High Court concluded that the Greater Chennai Corporation must fulfill its legal obligation to clear public streets. By setting a deadline (February 10, 2026) for the implementation of the order, the Court sent a clear message: public utility and the rule of law take precedence over unauthorized structures, regardless of the faith they represent.

The Court has scheduled a compliance hearing for February 11, 2026, to ensure that the Regional Deputy Commissioner has acted upon the order.

Case Title: A. Sarath v. The Commissioner and Others
Bench: Justice V. Lakshminarayana
Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. B. Kaarvannan
Counsel for Respondents: Mr. E. C. Ramesh, Mr. R. Udaya Kumar