V.Ragul Raja v. The Archaeological Survey Of India,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 21.11.2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI and W.M.P.No.26110 of 2024 V.Ragul Raja
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.The Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai Circle, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.
3.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department, 1/8
Erode - 638 001.
4.The Executive Officer, Arulmighu Raja Koil, ThenmughamVelod Village, Perundurai Taluk, Erode District.
...Respondents
Prayer : This writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider and dispose the petitioner's representation dated 16.05.2024 and directing the Respondents to reopen the northern entrance of the ancient Masari Amman in ThenmugamVellode ancient Rasa Samy Temple within a stipulated time as prescribed by this Hon'ble Court. For Petitioner(s) : Mr.T.Balaji For Respondent(s) : Mr.Rajesh Vivekanandan Deputy Solicitor General (For R1) Mrs.S.Anitha Special Government Pleader (For R2)
O R D E R
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The present writ petition has been filed, seeking for a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to consider and dispose of the representation of the petitioner dated 16.05.2024 and also to direct the respondents to re-open the northern entrance of the ancient Masari Amman in ThenmugamVellode ancient Rasa Samy Temple within a stipulated time as prescribed by this Court.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is a worshipper of Masari Amman Temple, forming part of the ancient Rasa Samy Temple in Thenmugam Vellode Village, and that the Masari Amman Sannidhi has a traditional northern entrance similar to those existing at Periya Appichimar Madam and Chinna Appichimar Madam temples. It is further submitted that the northern entrance is historically connected with customary rituals, but the authorities have closed it and permitted all the devotees only through the eastern entrance. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner submitted a representation to the respondents on 06.12.2023, which was forwarded by the 2 nd respondent / Commissioner to the 3 rd respondent/Joint 3/8
Commissioner on 24.01.2024 and till date, no action has been taken, despite subsequent reminders/representations dated 02.02.2024 and 16.05.2024. Hence, the petitioner filed the present writ petition, seeking direction to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 16.05.2024 and reopen the northern entrance.
3. The respective learned counsels appearing for the respondents submitted that the writ petition is not maintainable in law or on facts and that Arulmigu Rasasamy temple at Thenmugam Vellode Village is not a centrally protected monument under the jurisdiction of the ASI, Chennai Circle. Further, the Department has no knowledge about the incidents explained by the petitioner. Pursuant to the orders of this Court in W.P.No.21474 of 2019, the temple was inspected on 14.11.2022 by the Assistant Superintending Archaeological Engineer, who made certain observations and suggestions to be followed during renovation, including removal of abandoned structures and provision of amenities outside the premises. The respondents therefore contend that no cause of action is made out and seek dismissal of the writ petition. 4/8
4. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.
5. Upon considering the submissions and the materials placed on record, this Court find that the petitioner's representation dated 06.12.2023, which was forwarded to the third respondent on 24.01.2024 remains unattended. The issue relating to the northern entrance of the Masari Amman Temple involves factual aspects, traditions and practices, and concerns and therefore, requires a proper enquiry by the competent authority. Hence, this Court is of the view that a direction to consider the petitioner's representation and take a reasoned decision would meet the ends of justice.
6. Therefore, the third respondent is directed to consider the representation submitted by the petitioner dated 16.05.2024, conduct an enquiry, after providing an opportunity to the petitioner and all the aggrieved persons including the impleading petitioner in 5/8
W.M.P.No.26110 of 2024, and pass appropriate orders within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order.
7. This writ petition is disposed of with the above directions. However, there shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 21.11.2025 Index : Yes/No Internet: Yest/No Speaking or Non-speaking order kak To 1.The Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai Circle, Fort St.George, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.
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3.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Department, Erode - 638 001.
4.The Executive Officer, Arulmighu Raja Koil, ThenmughamVelod Village, Perundurai Taluk, Erode District.
M. DHANDAPANI, J.
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W.P. No.
16375 of 2024 Dated :
.11.2025 8/8