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Madras High CourtWP/13171/2023disposed of with direction

Selvaraj v. The Secretary To Government

2026-03-04Honourable Mr Justice M.Dhandapani5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and WMP No.12919 of 2023 Selvaraj ..Petitioner Vs

1. The Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034.

3. The Joint Commissioner H.R and C.E. Department, R.K. Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004.

4. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Padi, Chennai.

5. The Executive Officer A/m Karaneeswarar Koil Saidapet, Chennai 600 015.

6. S.Thirugnanam

7. S. Rajinikanth

8. S. Murthy

9. K. Loganathan 10.K. Gurunathan ..Respondents Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records of the first respondent bearing G.O.Ms.No.61, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department (R.E. 3-1) dated 01.04.2023 and all proceedings in furtherance thereof and to quash the same and direct the third respondent for the issuance of the election notification and for the conduct of the election for the election of trustees to the Arulmigu Karneeswarar Thirukoil, Chennai 600 015 by exercise of franchise and from among the members of the Sengunthar community permanently residing in Saidapet of Chennai within the limits of Corporation of Chennai.

For Petitioner:

Mr.L.Dhamodharan For Respondents:

Mr. NRR. Arun Natarajan Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R5 No appearance for R6 to R10

O R D E R

Challenge in the writ petition is to G.O.Ms.No.61, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department (R.E. 3-1) dated 01.04.2023, in and by which, the first respondent has appointed the respondents 6 to 10 as Non-Hereditary Trustees, and for a direction to the 3rd respondent to issue election notification and for the conduct of the election of trustees of Arulmighu Karneeswarar Thirukovil, Chennai, by exercise of franchise and from among

the members of Sengunthar community, permanently residing in Saidapet of Chennai within the limits of Corporation of Chennai.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials on record.

3. It is an admitted fact that the first respondent has issued G.O.Ms.No.61 dated 01.04.2023, appointing 5 persons / respondents 6 to 10 as Non-Hereditary Trustees of Arulmighu Karneeswarar Temple, Saidapet, Chennai, which is impugned herein. However, the period of tenure of non-hereditary trustees has already been over. Therefore, nothing survives for further adjudication in this writ petition. However, the petitioner is granted liberty to file a fresh writ petition, if any adverse order is passed against the interest of the writ petitioner in future.

4. With the above liberty, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 04-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order ssb

To 1.The Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034.

3.The Joint Commissioner H.R and C.E. Department, R.K. Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004.

4.The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Padi, Chennai.

5. The Executive Officer A/m Karaneeswarar Koil, Saidapet, Chennai 600 015.

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

ssb 04-03-2026