E.Karunanidhi v. The Director

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15-04-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI E.Karunanidhi Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Director Directorate of Minorities Welfare, 1s Floor, Khalas Mahal, Chepauk, Chennai-600 005 2.The District Collector Collectorate, Sathuvachari, Vellore District -632 009 3.The District Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Officer District Collector Office, Sathuvachari, Vellore District -632 009 Respondent(s) PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, directing the Respondents to consider petitioners representation dated 17.02.2026 and grant permission to conduct prayer meetings in the building comprised in R.S. No.65/3 situated t Plot No.11 and 30, Sri Balaji Nagar, Thandalam, Krishnapuram Revenue Village, Katpadi Taluk, Vellore District. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.K.Sasindran For Respondent:

Mr.T.M.Rajangam Government Advocate

ORDER

By consent of both parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. This petition has been filed for a direction, directing the Respondents to

consider petitioners representation dated 17.02.2026 and grant permission to conduct prayer meetings in the building comprised in R.S. No.65/3 situated t Plot No.11 and 30, Sri Balaji Nagar, Thandalam, Krishnapuram Revenue Village, Katpadi Taluk, Vellore District.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner that he has completed a certificate course in Catechist Training in the year 2012 and is engaged in religious teaching and spiritual guidance to the members of the Christian faith. While so, the CSI Trust Association is owning a building in the subject plots for the purpose of accommodating temporary residence to the church staffs, hence, the petitioner and the owner of the building signed out a lease deed vide lease agreement dated 10.11.2025 for 11 months. Thus, the petitioner for the purpose of conducting small prayer gathering during weekend sought permission from the Panchayat vide representation dated 17.02.2026 which is pending without consideration till date. Hence, this writ petition.

4. The learned Government Advocate submitted that the petitioner is in occupation of residential house after entering agreement with the Church of South Indian Trust Association vide lease agreement dated 10.11.2025, however, the trust deed does not provide a clause for conducting prayer meeting.

5. Heard both sides and perused the materials placed on record.

6. Admittedly, the facts of the present case are not in dispute. The subject building has been constructed after obtaining approval for residential purposes. The petitioner is now in the occupation of the subject building on the strength of the lease agreement dated 10.11.2025 executed between the petitioner and the Church of South Indian Trust Association. On careful perusal of the lease agreements, this Court find that there is no clause letting the petitioner to conduct prayer meetings in the building constructed for residential purposes, whereas, the petitioner is now seeking to conduct prayer meetings in the residential premises being leased to him and further, it is also to be noted that the said lease agreement is also only for a period of 11 months. In such view of the matter, this Court does not find any merits in this petition and the prayer of the petitioner cannot be acceded to.

7. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 15-04-2026 dhk Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes

To 1.The Director Directorate of Minorities Welfare, 1st Floor, Khalas Mahal, Chepauk, Chennai-600 005 2.The District Collector Collectorate, Sathuvachari, Vellore District -632 009 3.The District Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Officer District Collector Office, Sathuvachari, Vellore District -632 009

M.DHANDAPANI J.

dhk 15-04-2026