R.Vijayakumar v. The Additional Chief Secretary

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 13-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY

1. R.Vijayakumar

2. V.Prasanna ..Petitioners Vs

1. The Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.

3. Mr.A.T.Paranjothi presently the Regional Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Erode Region, Erode.

4. N.Dhanasekaran Door No.5/39(1), Vittampalayam, Emappalli PO, Namakkal District - 637 214.

5. Molasi Kannakula Kongu Nattu Vellaler Trust, Rep. by its Secretary Palanigounder, Molasiyar Maligai, No.18, West Muniappan Koil Street, Tiruchengode Taluk, Namakkal District.

..Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 2 to take necessary action against the third respondent in view of the representations dated 29.12.2025 and 30.12.2025.

For Petitioners:

Mr.V.Srikanth for Mr.N.S.Amogh Simha For Respondents:

Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan Special Government Pleader for R1 & R2

ORDER

The prayer in the writ petition is to conduct an enquiry and take action against the official who passed the order recognising the rival claimant as the hereditary trustee.

2. It is stated that without even adhering to the basic procedures and considering any of the submissions that is made and without even adverting to the fact whether necessary parties are impleaded by way of misconduct, the order is passed. The question with reference to his territorial jurisdiction is also raised. However, by the order dated 13.02.2026 in the connected writ petition No.4814 of 2026, the petitioner is granted liberty to file an appeal as against the order recognising the third person as hereditary trustee. The petitioner will be at liberty to canvass all these points before the Appellate Authority and depending on the finding of the Appellate Authority, if any further enquiry is necessary against the authority, the same shall be undertaken.

3. With that liberty kept open to the writ petitioner, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

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1. The Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.

3. The Regional Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Erode Region, Erode.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

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