Ramani @ Mohanambal v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Ramani @ Mohanambal ..Petitioner Vs

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, 109, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nugambakkam, Chennai.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Chennai.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Egmore, Chennai.

..Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to dispose of petitioner's petition dated 29.07.2025 filed under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, within a stipulated period as fixed by this Court on merits. For Petitioner:

Ms.M.Hemalatha for Ms.V.Jayanthi For Respondents:

Mr.K.Karthikeyan, Government Advocate

ORDER

The relief that is prayed for in the writ petition is for a mandamus directing the second respondent to dispose of the petitioner's petition dated 29.07.2025 filed under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.

2. Upon perusal of the said representation, it can be seen that the petitioner is claiming hereditary trusteeship. To recognise any person under hereditary trusteeship, the petition has to be filed under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959 and therefore the second respondent has jurisdiction to deal with the same and dispose of it.

3. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents would bring to the notice of this Court about the other facts, such as the appointment of a fit person, etc.

4. This Court is not expressing any opinion with reference to the appointment of a fit person and the administration of the temple.

5. When the petitioner has filed an application dated 29.07.2025 under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments

Act, 1959, the second respondent shall take up the same for enquiry and dispose of it in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible, in any event not later than four months from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order.

04-02-2026 NSL To

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, 109, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nugambakkam, Chennai.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Chennai.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Egmore, Chennai.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

NSL 04-02-2026