S.Murali v. The Deputy Superintending Archaeologist,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 03.02.2021 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.SANJIB BANERJEE, THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY W.P.No.6727 of 2020 S.Murali .. Petitioner -vs1.The Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Fort Museum, Fort St. George, Chennai 600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept., Nungambakkam, Chennai.

3.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Uttamar Temple, Pitchandar Koil, Manachanallur Taluk, Trichy District.

.. Respondents Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issue of Writ of Mandamus to direct the 1st respondent to dispose of the representation of the petitioner dated 25.01.2020.

For Petitioner : Mr.A.S.Baalaji For Respondents : Mr.G.Karthikeyan Assistant Solicitor General for R-1 : Mr.R.Venkatesh, Govt. Advocate for RR 2 & 3

ORDER

(Made by Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, J.) The grievance of the writ petitioner is that a religious symbol which is referred to as 'Thiruman Kappu', used to be inscribed on the walls of all Vaishnavite temples, but the same has been erased recently at the instance of the Archaeological Survey of India. He further submits that a representation has been issued by him to the first respondent in this connection on 25.01.2020, but that no action has been taken. 2.Mr.G.Karthikeyan, learned Assistant Solicitor General, appearing for the Archaeological Survey of India, submits that the representation referred to by the petitioner was not received by the Archaeological Survey of India. 3.

Accordingly, without expressing an opinion on the merits of the representation, this writ petition is disposed of by directing the first respondent to consider the representation that would be issued by the petitioner and dispose of the same by a speaking order within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt thereof. In the event the writ petitioner is aggrieved by the decision of the first respondent, it is open to the writ petitioner to pursue legal remedies, otherwise than by a public interest litigation, after establishing his locus standi in this regard.

The writ petition, W.P.No.6727 of 2020, is disposed of on the above terms. No costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar sra To 1.The Deputy Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Fort Museum, Fort St. George, Chennai 600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept., Nungambakkam, Chennai.

+1 CC.to Mr. BALAJI, ADVOCATE, SR.NO.5761 +1 CC.to Mr. G. KARTHIKEYAN, ADVOCATE SR.NO.5980 PPA(CO) SM/18/02/2021 W.P.No.6727 of 2020