A new Supreme Court plea has urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to "takeover and control" the Arunachaleswara temple in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. This temple, built in the 9th century and known for its grand Dravidian architecture, faced a similar move by the ASI about 25 years ago. Back then, the attempt to declare the temple a "monument of national importance" failed due to strong protests. Under current laws, ASI can protect monuments but cannot take control of temples. The Arunachaleswara temple covers 24.35 acres with about 300 shrines and nine towers. Encroachments near the temple have grown over the years, despite removal efforts. These illegal settlements near the hill caused a deadly landslip in December 2024, killing seven people. Authorities now plan to designate nearby areas as reserve forest to prevent further damage. In 2002, then Union Minister Jagmohan pushed for temple development after seeing the encroachments. The ASI issued a notification to declare the temple a national monument, but local traders and political parties protested, fearing restrictions on business. The AIADMK-led Tamil Nadu government challenged the ASI's move in the Madras High Court, which stayed the notification. The dispute touched off a wide political row involving multiple parties and religious leaders. Eventually, the central government withdrew the plan in 2004. The ASI clarified its goal was to conserve the temple’s heritage without disrupting religious activities or charging devotees. The Hindu newspaper supported the ASI’s efforts, calling for conservation over politics. This historic standstill highlights the challenge of balancing heritage protection with local interests. Now, the renewed Supreme Court plea may reopen the debate on who should oversee this cultural treasure.