P.Saravanan v. The Additional Chief Secretary
In the High Court of Judicature at Madras Dated : 16.5.2025 Coram :
The Honourable Mr.Justice V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN Writ Petition No.18337 of 2025 P.Saravanan
...Petitioner
Vs 1.The Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture & Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai-9.
2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.
3.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Koottai Maariyamman Kovil Campus, Near Old Bus Stand, Salem-636001.
4.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Koottai Maariyamman Kovil Campus, Near Old Bus Stand, Salem-636001.
1/5
5.The Superintendent of Police, Salem.
(R5 suo motu impleaded vide this order by VLNJ)
...Respondents
PETITION under Article 226 of The Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 4th respondent to consider the representation dated 30.4.2025 to conduct the election for electing the Chairman of Board of Trustees and make arrangements for swearing of Trustees for Arulmigu Thaanthoondreswarar Temple within the time limit to be stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner :
Mr.S.Selvakumar For R1 to R4 :
Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan, SGP For R5 :
Mr.V.Meganathan, GA (Crl.Side)
ORDER
The petitioner seeks for a direction to the fourth respondent to consider his representation dated 30.4.2025 to conduct the election to the post of Chairman of Board of Trustees for Arulmighu Thaanthoondreswarar Temple, Pelur, Vazhappadi Taluk, Salem District. 2/5
2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader accepting notice for respondents 1 to 4.
3. When the matter is taken up for admission, the learned Special Government Pleader representing respondents 1 to 4 submits that the third respondent is ready to conduct the election within three weeks if police protection is afforded to him. The said submission is recorded.
4. Hence, the Superintendent of Police, Salem District is suo motu impleaded as the fifth respondent in this writ petition and on his behalf, Mr.V.Meganathan, learned Government Advocate accepts notice.
5. Considering the facts, there shall be a direction to the fifth respondent to afford police protection to the third respondent to conduct the election to the post of Chairman, Board of Trustees of Arulmighu Thaanthoondreswarar Temple, Pelur, Vazhappadi Taluk, Salem District.
3/5
6. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of. No costs. 16.5.2025 Office to Note :
Carry out necessary impleadment before issuing the certified copies Index : Yes (or) No To 1.The Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture & Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai-9.
2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.
3.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Koottai Maariyamman Kovil Campus, Near Old Bus Stand, Salem-636001.
4.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Koottai Maariyamman Kovil Campus, Near Old Bus Stand, Salem-636001.
5.The Superintendent of Police, Salem.
4/5
V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN,J RS W.P.No.18337 of 2025 16.5.2025 5/5