A.Radhakrishnan v. Thesecretarytogovernment,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 29-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI A.Radhakrishnan S/o.T.ArumugaGounder, 38, Mettu Agraharam, Salem 636001.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Secretary to Government, Tourism,Culture,and, Religious,Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

2. The Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

3. The Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

4. The Secretary to Government, Handlooms and Textiles Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

5. The Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Ezhilagam , Cheppaukkam, Chennai-600005.

6. The Commissioner Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai-600034.

7. The Director of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Audit Department, Theynapettai, Chennai - 600 009

8. The Inspector General of Registrations,

100, Santhome High Road, Chennai-600028.

9. The Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, Theynapettai, Chennai-600006.

10.The Project Director for the National Health Mission, Theynampettai, Chennai-600006 11.The Chairman, Handloom Weavers co-operative Society (CO-OPTEX), 350, Pantheon Road, Chennai-600008.

12.The District Executive Magistrate/Collector, Perambalur.

13.The Superintendent of Police Perambalur.

14.The Joint Director, Medical and Rural Health Services Department, Perambalur.

15.The Joint Commissioner, Department, Perambalur.

16.The Assistant Commissioner, Department, Perambalur.

17.The Fit person/ Chairman, Board of Trustees, Arulmigu Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple,Perambalur Town.

18.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Madhana GopalaSwamyTemple, Perambalur Town.

..Respondent(s) Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to secure and safeguard the 17threspondent temple properties and its administrations by considering the petitioners representation dated 28.03.2025 and 25.04.2026. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.A.Radhakrishnan (Party-in-person) For Respondent(s):

Mr.K.Karthikeyan, GA HR & CE RR1,6,7,15 and 18 Mr.M.Rajendiran, AGP RR2 to, 7 to 12,14 Mr.V.Meghanathan, GA (Crl. Side) R13

ORDER

The writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to secure and safeguard the 17threspondent temple properties and its administrations by considering the petitioners representation dated 28.03.2025 and 25.04.2026.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that the 17th respondent temple, Arulmigu Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple, is an ancient, famous and familiar temple situated in the heart of Perambalur. The said temple is known for fostering family unity and harmony and is associated with the story of the Pandavas. The 17th respondent temple owns several immovable and movable properties. The temple property has been leased out to the department of 3rd and 4th respondents with the consent of 6th respondent vide GO.Ms.No.133 dated 03.08.2018 leased out around 70,000 sq. ft. of the land for a period 33

years. The petitioner came to know that there are huge rental arrears pending to the 17th respondent temple from the 3rd respondent Department in connection with the said G.O., as per communication dated 07.12.2022.

3. Apart from the anomalies regarding leased properties, other properties and the administration of the 17th respondent temple are yet to be safeguarded. Therefore, the petitioner made a representation on 28.03.2025 to the 6th respondent pointing out all the anomalies in the 17th respondent temple administration and its properties with a request for swift action. Even after lapse of more than a year, the 6th respondent has not taken any steps. hence, the petitioner sent a reminder dated 25.04.2026 to all the respondents. Since there was no response, the petitioner has approached this Court.

4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents on instructions, submitted that the petitioner's representation will be considered by the 5th respondent and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with law.

5. The 17th respondent temple is a public religious institution and a minor under Section 6(1and) of the Tamil Nadu HR and CE Act. The authorities are bound to protect its properties and ensure proper administration. When allegations of mismanagement and rental arrears are brought to the notice of the competent authority, it is the statutory duty of the 5th respondent to act upon the

same without delay.

6. This Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations. however, the petitioner's representations deserve to be considered and disposed of in a time-bound manner.

7. The 5th respondent is directed to consider the petitioners representations dated 28.03.2025 and 25.04.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7.1. The 5th respondent shall afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner before passing final orders.

7.2. A reasoned speaking order shall be passed and communicated to the petitioner within the time.

7.3. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the matter and the 5th respondent shall take an independent decision based on records and in accordance with the HR and CE Act.

8. With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of . No costs. 29-04-2026

Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order rli To

1. The Secretary to Government, Tourism,Culture,and, Religious,Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

2. The Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

3. The Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

4. The Secretary to Government, Handlooms and Textiles Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600009.

5.The Commissioner of Revenue Administration, Ezhilagam , Cheppaukkam, Chennai-600005.

6.The Commissioner Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai-600034.

7. The Director of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Audit Department, Theynapettai, Chennai - 600 009

8. The Inspector General of Registrations, 100, Santhome High Road, Chennai-600028.

9. The Director of Medical and Rural

HealthServices, Theynapettai, Chennai-600006.

10. The Project Director for the National Health Mission, Theynampettai, Chennai-600006

11. The Chairman, Handloom Weavers co-operative Society (CO-OPTEX), 350, Pantheon Road, Chennai-600008.

12.The District Executive Magistrate/Collector, Perambalur.

13. The Superintendent of Police Perambalur.

14. The Joint Director, Medical and Rural Health Services Department, Perambalur.

15. The Joint Commissioner, Department, Perambalur.

16. The Assistant Commissioner, Department, Perambalur.

17. The Fit person/ Chairman, Board of Trustees, Arulmigu Madhana Gopala Swamy Temple,Perambalur Town.

18. The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Madhana GopalaSwamyTemple, Perambalur Town.

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

rli 29-04-2026