R. Mahadevan, J.

“A concerted effort to preserve our heritage is a vital link to our cultural, educational, aesthetic, inspirational and economic legacies – all of the things that quite literally make us who we are”.

(Steve Berry)

The above lines just flashed, while penning down this order. May be the subject in issue is nearer to these lines.

2. Both these writ petitions have been filed as 'pro bono publico' to quash the order passed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in G.O.Ms.No.885, Home (SC) Department, dated 01.08.2018, by which the investigation of the cases related to theft of idols and art facets of various temples now investigated by the High Court appointed Special Team headed by the sixth respondent in W.P.No.20392 of 2018 pursuant to the order passed by this Court dated 21.07.2017 in Crl.O.P.Nos.8690 and 12060 of 2017, have been ordered to be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The Background:-

3. Earlier, Crl.O.P.Nos.8690 and 12060 of 2017 were filed before this Court. Crl.OP.No.8690 of 2017 was filed to transfer the investigation pending on the fil