Chennai, Dec 19 The Madras High Court on Monday declared that a Shariat court cannot function from the Makkah Masjid a mosque here, said a senior advocate.

The court also ordered the state government to ensure that such a court does not function and file a status report.

The court passed the order after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Abdur Rahman, senior advocate A. Sirajudeen told IANS.

The Makkah Masjid is located on Anna Salai, Chennai's main arterial street.

According to the petitioner, the Shariat Council was functioning like a court.

The High Court made it clear that religious places are meant to be used only for religious purposes.

The petitioner approached the Shariat Council first so that he can live again with his wife. But he was forced to give a divorce and hence he decided to approach the High Court, Sirajudeen said.