HC summons HR&CE Commissioner to explain delay in probe into peacock idol theft
The Hindu
The court calls for case diary as the police were not able to pin down the mastermind
The Madras High Court on Thursday summoned Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Commissioner to explain why a fact-finding inquiry instituted in 2018 to probe the theft of Punnai Mara Nathar (holy peacock) idol from Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai, was not completed till date.
Acting Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice P.D. Audikesavalu directed the Commissioner to join the virtual court from the office of a Special Government Pleader on Monday.
They said the department ought not to have stopped the inquiry just because the police had taken up parallel investigation.

Thousand Lights MLA from the DMK N. Ezhilan, in an interview to The Hindu, observes that any popular personality entering politics will attract the limelight. But only a structured party machinery combined with popularity can ensure success. In this interview, he speaks about his tenure as first-time MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency in Chennai, Vijay’s political entry shaping the 2026 elections, redressal of key grievances and more.

Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night

Set to unfold as a one-day pop-up on April 5, the Easter Sadya brings together both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus, offering a peek into the food traditions of the Syrian Christian (Nasrani) community. While the traditional Sadya is often associated with dishes such as sambar, avial, and rice, this version expands to include community-specific festive dishes.










