V. Ezhumalai v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 22-05-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SENTHILKUMAR WA No. 1644 of 2025 and C.M.P.No.12179 of 2025 V. Ezhumalai S/o.Venkatachalam, Singavaram, Melacherry Post, Gingee Tk, Villupuram Dist 604202 Appellant(s) Vs

1. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Nngambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.

2.The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Villupuram, Villupuram Dist.

3.The Assistant Commissioner-cumExecutive Officer A/m. Ranganathaswamy Thirukoil, Singavaram, Melacherry Post, Gingee Taluk 604 202

4.The Inspector of Police Gingee Town Police Station, Gingee Respondents PRAYER To set aside the order dated 16.5.2025 in WP.No 18461/2025. For Appellant(s):

Mr.M.Gnanasekar K.Sathiyavel T.Parthiban M.N.Kathir R.Rathi B.Asha For Respondent(s):

Mr.K.Karthikeyan, GA (HR&CE)

JUDGMENT

(Judgment of the Court was made by G.R.Swaminathan J.) This writ appeal is directed against the order dated 16.05.2025 made in W.P.No.18461 of 2025.

2. The learned Single Judge has stated that if the Chariot Festival is not conducted by the 3 rd respondent/Temple Management, the petitioner will be entitled to conduct the said Chariot Festival .

3. The grievance of the petitioner is that though a similar undertaking was given last year, the chariot festival was not actually conducted.

4. This assertion is disputed by the learned Government Advocate appearing for HR & CE Department. He states that on 08.06.2024, the temple management conducted chariot festival and, in fact, on 30.5.2025 this year also the chariot festival will be organized.

5. We direct the 3 rd respondent/Temple Management to conduct the chariot festival on the said date. The temple management will videograph the entire event. If this direction is breached, the petitioner can very well file a contempt petition before this Court.

6. With the above observation, this Writ Appeal is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected CMP is closed.

(G.R.S.,J.) (N.S.,J.) 22-05-2025 Dn/suk Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes

To 1.The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Nngambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.

2.The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Villupuram, Villupuram Dist.

3.The Assistant Commissioner-cumExecutive Officer A/m. Ranganathaswamy Thirukoil, Singavaram, Melacherry Post, Gingee Tk 604 202 4.The Inspector of Police Gingee Town Police Station, Gingee

G.R.SWAMINATHAN J.

AND N.SENTHILKUMAR J.

Dn/suk 22-05-2025