The Court, which heard his petition on Monday, directed the commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department to file reply by March 12.

In his petition, Ramaswamy sought the immediate removal of shops selling items which are not bought by devotees for dharshan. No hotels and shops selling food items should be allowed to function in temple premises.

He sought the denial of permission given to protests and fasts inside the temple premises. He also contended that the court should consider his petition and direct the state government to take necessary steps as it failed to act on the demands that he had submitted earlier.

Justices Sathyanarayana and Hemalatha directed the commissioner of HR&CE department to file reply by March 12. They also clubbed the petition with another similar petition, filed earlier, and adjourned the hearing on March 12.

Meanwhile, the octogenarian, who was protesting the flex banners setup by BJP cadres in South Masi - West Masi streets junction in the afternoon, fainted. He was standing close to two hours under the hot sun. He was admitted in a private hospital.