S.Sathiyaraj v. The Joint Commissioner,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 07-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI WP No. 13359 of 2026 S.Sathiyaraj

...Petitioner

Vs

1. The joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

3.The Executive Officer, Somanatha Swamy Thirukoil, Panruti Town, Panruti, Cuddalore District.

...Respondents

PETITION under Article 226 of The Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd and 3rd

respondents to recover the Sri Someswaran Temple lands situated at Town Survey No.86 and 87 in Block No.47, Ward No.A, Panruti Town based on the petitioner's representation dated 04.02.2026. For Petitioner:

Mr.

For Respondents 1 to 4:

Mr.

ORDER

This is a petition filed by the petitioner seeking a direction to the 2nd and 3rd respondents to recover the Sri Someswaran Temple lands situated at Town Survey No.86 and 87 in Block No.47, Ward No.A, Panruti Town based on the petitioner's representation dated 04.02.2026.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader accepting notice for respondents.

3. The case of the petitioner is as follows:

The petitioner is the devotee of the temple viz., Sri Someswaran Temple, Panruti. The temple lands are lying adjacent to the newly constructed temple area and the said lands have been encroached by the

unknown persons. For removal of encroachment and to recover the temple lands, the petitioner made a representation on 04.02.2026 to the respondents and the same is not considered. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed.

4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that there is no encroachment made in the temple lands. One portion of land was constructed for archagar quarters and the remaining portion of the land was rented out to one Naresh Ram and he is paying rent regularly to the temple.

5. Recording the submission made by the learned Government Counsel, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 07-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

RLI To

1. The joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

3. The Executive Officer, Somanatha Swamy Thirukoil, Panruti Town, Panruti, Cuddalore District.

W.P.No.13359 of 2026 07-04-2026