N.Velumani v. The Joint Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated: 08.04.2025 Coram:

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY & W.M.P.No.14507 of 2025

1. N. Velumani, S/o. N.E. Natesan.

2. N.Siddeshwaran, S/o. N.E. Natesan, .. Petitioner /versus/

1. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (H.R. & C.E.) Department, Kariyaperumal Karadu Adivaram, Nethimedu, Salem - 636002.

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (H.R. & C.E.) Department, Kariyaperumal Karadu Adivaram, Nethimedu, Salem - 636002.

3. The Inspector of Police, Suramangalam Police Station, Salem.

4. N.C.Raja, S/o. P.Chandhiran, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

5. R.Suresh, 1/7

S/o.N.C.Raja, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

6. S.Settu, S/o. P.Selvaraj, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

7. S.Mahendhiran, S/o. P.Selvaraj, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004

8. B.Manikandan, S/o.N.E.Boopathy, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

9. E.Perumal, S/o. Elumalai, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004

10. P.Rajesh, S/o.P/Perumal, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

11. P.Ragu, S/o. P.Perumal, Pudhu Mariamman Kovil Street, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004

12. G.Mariyappan, 2/7

S/o. Ganesan, Omsakthi Nagar, Perumal Malai Adivaram, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

13. G.Anathinathan, S/o. Ganesan, Omsakthi Nagar, Perumal Malai Adivaram, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

14. P.Sivalingam, S/o.Palanisamy, Omsakthi Nagar, Perumal Malai Adivaram, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004.

15. M.Kalyanasundaram, S/o. N.E.Mohanathan, Omsakthi Nagar, Perumal Malai Adivaram, Narasothipatti, Alagapuram Post, Salem - 636004. .. Respondents Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to intervene and take necessary action to restrain the respondents 4 to 15 along with their associates from interfering in Arulmigu Sri Puthu Mariamman Temple administration and to safeguard temple properties, situated at Indian Bank Colony, Kudumiyan Street, Narasothipatti Village, Salem, by considering the representation dated 28.03.2025.

For Petitioner :Mr.K.Sathish Kumar, 3/7

For Respondents :Mr.S.Ravichandran, Additional Government Pleader, for R1 & R2 Dr.C.E.Pratap, Government Advocate (Crl.Side), for R4 ------

O R D E R

The prayer in the writ petition is to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to intervene and take necessary action against the other party respondents 4 to 15 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 28.03.2025.

2. Upon hearing the Learned Counsel for the petitioner and perusing the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition and the other material records of the case, it can be seen that the grievance of the petitioner is that the petitioner and his father and other persons were instrumental in establishing the Temple and they have also purchased the land and dedicated it for the Temple. They are only Managing the affairs of the Temple. While so, without any right whatsoever, the respondents 4 to 5 are interfering the affairs and Management of the Temple. 4/7

3. When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Additional Government Pleader would submit that so far the Temple is not under the direct Management and control of the Department. However, the representation dated 28.03.2025 will be taken up for enquiry and orders will be passed.

4. In view thereof, this writ petition is disposed of at the admission stage without notice to the private respondents. (i) The second respondent shall take up the representation of the petitioner dated 28.03.2025 for enquiry. The second respondent shall issue notice to the petitioner as well as the respondents 4 to 15 or any other person interested in the Management of the Temple and thereafter orders in accordance with law shall be passed.

(ii) The aforesaid exercise shall be completed within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order without waiting for the certified copy of the order.

5/7

Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

08.04.2025 bsm To,

1. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (H.R. & C.E.) Department, Kariyaperumal Karadu Adivaram, Nethimedu, Salem - 636002.

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (H.R. & C.E.) Department, Kariyaperumal Karadu Adivaram, Nethimedu, Salem - 636002.

3. The Inspector of Police, Suramangalam Police Station, Salem.

4. The Government Advocate, High Court, Madras.

5. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras. 6/7

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY,J.

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