K.Gopal v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25.05.2024 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN K.Gopal ... Petitioner vs

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Office of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Villuppuram.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Office of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Villupuram.

4. The Executive Officer, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments, Department, Kallakurichi.

... Respondents Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to grant permission to perform Kumbhabhishekam for Sri Mariamman temple, which is situated at Thottapatty Village, Chinna Salem Taluk, Kallakurichi District in the light of representation dated 07.05.2024.

For Petitioner :

Mr.C.Iyyapparaj For Respondents :

Mr.K.Karthikeyan, Government Advocate 1/4

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2. The petitioner wants to perform Kumbhabhishekam for the petition mentioned temple. It appears to be more than 100 years old. The third respondent is directed to call for reports from the concerned authorities and after taking into account all the relevant aspects, pass an appropriate order, granting permission for performing Kumbhabhishekam. Such a proceeding shall be issued by the third respondent within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is open to the third respondent to stipulate the manner and the persons by whom the Kumbhabhishekam shall be performed. I am giving such a leeway to the third respondent because the learned Government Advocate informed the Court that the petitioner is only a devotee and that he is not a trustee of the temple.

3.

Writ petition stands allowed in the above terms. No costs.

25.05.2024 Index:Yes/No ssm/gvn 2/4

To

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Nungampakkam, Chennai-600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Office of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Villuppuram.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Office of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Villupuram.

4. The Executive Officer, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments, Department, Kallakurichi 3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN,J.

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