M.Krishna v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 13-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P.No.5468 of 2026 M.Krishna ..Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Salem District - 636 001.

2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 34.

3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Kottai Mariamman Temple Campus, Mettur Road, Salem District - 636 001.

4. Perumal ..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 consider the petitioner's representation dated 23.01.2026 in order to notify the A/m.Sri Karumariyamman Temple which is situated at Kodambakkadu, S.K.Garden, Nethimedu, Salem Taluk and District under Section 71 of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.

For Petitioner:

Mr.P.Vijendran

For Respondents:

Mr.S.Senthil Murugan Special Government Pleader for R1 Mr.K.Karthikeyan Government Advocate for R2 & R3

ORDER

The prayer in the writ petition is to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 23.01.2026 and to notify the Arulmigu Karumariyamman Temple which is situated at Kodambakkadu, S.K.Garden, Nethimedu, Salem Taluk and District under Section 71 of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.

2. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and perusing the material records of the case, the petitioner has made the above representation to bring the temple under the administration of the Department alleging that there is maladministration of the temple and its properties are being frittered away.

3. When the matter came up for admission, the learned Government Advocate, taking notice for respondents 2 & 3, would submit that the third respondent, if given time, will consider the representation in the manner known to law.

4. Since the nature of relief that is given, the writ petition is disposed of at the admission stage. This Court is not expressing any opinion on the case of the petitioner or on behalf of the fourth respondent.

5. In view thereof, the writ petition is disposed of on the following terms: The representation of the petitioner dated 23.01.2026 shall be taken up for enquiry by the third respondent. Due notice to the petitioner as well as the fourth respondent and any other person interested in the temple shall also be given and an enquiry shall be conducted and orders in accordance with law shall be passed. The same shall be done as expeditiously as possible, in any event not later than twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is also closed. No costs. 13-02-2026 NSL

To

1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Salem District - 636 001.

2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 34.

3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Kottai Mariamman Temple Campus, Mettur Road, Salem District - 636 001.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

NSL 13-02-2026