S.Srikrishnan v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 23-01-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY S.Srikrishnan S/o. Sundaramoorthy, No. 2/26 Arunachalapuram, Adyar, Chennai 20.

... Petitioner Vs.

The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119 Uthamar Gandhi Road, Thousandlights, West Nungambakkam, Chennai 34. ... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to consider the representation given by the petitioner dated 06.12.2025 to recover the temple property and restore the same "Bala Krishnan Bajanai Kovil" and "Balavinayagar Kovil" and to initiate criminal prosecution as against the person who grabbed the temple property and restore the property to the temple. For Petitioner:

Mr.A.K.R.Ravi For Respondent:

Mr.K.Karthikeyan, Government Advocate, (HE&CE) Page Nos.1/5

O R D E R

The writ petition is filed with a prayer to consider the representation of the petitioner and to recover the temple property and restore the same to the "Bala Krishnan Bajanai Kovil" and "Balavinayagar Kovil."

2. The Writ Petition is disposed of at the admission stage and this Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter.

3. It can be seen from the representation, the grievance of the petitioner is that the family members of the trustee of the temple had partitioned even the temple's property. The veracity or otherwise of the same is now not considered. But if the same is true, immediate steps should be taken for cancellation of the document and a criminal case should also be registered against all concerned who are all involved.

4. When the matter came up for admission, the learned Government Advocate, taking notice on behalf the respondent submits that even the petitioner is a subsequent purchaser from such illegal transaction. Even if the petitioner is at fault, action should be taken against him. Therefore, when the representation brings up a serious misconduct on the part of the trustee in Page Nos.2/5

misappropriating the temple's property, the same shall be considered by the first respondent either himself or through the appropriate Joint Commissioner, with all seriousness required and further action be taken in accordance with law. All actions, including requesting the Revenue Authorities for mutation/maintenance of revenue records and criminal action, shall be initiated within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order.

5. With the above observation, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

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To,

1. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119 Uthamar Gandhi Road, Thousandlights, West Nungambakkam, Chennai 34.

2. The Government Pleader, High Court, Madras. Page Nos.4/5

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

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