Madras High CourtWP/19398/2026disposed of

A.Radhakrishnan, v. The Chief Secretary To Government

2026-05-13Honourable Mrs.Justice L.Victoria Gowri,Honourable Mr.Justice N.Senthilkumar7 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 13-05-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE N.SENTHILKUMAR WP No. 19398 of 2026 AND WMP Nos. 20679 and 20680 OF 2026 A.Radhakrishnan, S/o. T.Arumuga Gounder, 38, Mettu Agraharam, Salem 636 001.

..Petitioner Vs

1. The Chief Secretary to Government Secretariat, Chennai -600 009.

2. The Secretary to Government Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai -600 009.

3. The Secretary to Government, National Resources Department, Secretariat, Chennai -600 009.

4. The Secretary to Government Tourism Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai -600 009

5. The Commissioner of Revenue Administration Ezhilagam, Chepaukkam, Chennai -600 005

6. The Commissioner of Survey and Settlements, Survey House, Chepaukkam, Chennai -600 005.

7. The Commissioner of Geology and Mining, Alandur Road, Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai -600 032.

8. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai -600 034.

9. The District Executive Magistrate/Collector Ariyalur

10. The Inspector General of Police Central Zone, Thiruchirappalli.

11. The Deputy Inspector General of Registrations, Thiruchirappalli

12. The Regional Joint Director of Geology and Mining, Thiruchirappalli

13. The Tahsildar, Temple Lands, Ariyalur.

14. The Regional Auditing Officer, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Ariyalur.

15. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Perambalur.

16. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Ariyalur.

17. The Fit Person, Arulmigu Ayyanar Groups Temple, Aadhanakurichi Village, Sendhurai Taluk, Ariyalur District.

18. The Chairman, Ramco Groups, Aadhanakurichi village, Sendhurai Taluk, Ariyalur District.

..Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 15th respondent to remove encroachment made by the 18th respondent in respect of the properties belonging to the 17th respondent temple and consequentially issue direction directing the 15th respondent to secure and safeguard all properties of 17th respondent temple by considering petitioners representation dated 18.02.2026 and 30.04.2026. For Petitioner :

Mr.J.Manikandan for Mr.R.Marudhachalamurthy For Respondents :

Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan Special Government Pleader - for R1 to R16 Order (Order of the Court was made by L.Victoria Gowri J.) This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 15th respondent to remove encroachment made by the 18th respondent in respect of the properties belonging to the 17th respondent temple and consequentially issue direction directing the 15th respondent to secure and safeguard all properties of 17th respondent temple by considering petitioners representation dated 18.02.2026 and 30.04.2026.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the property belonging to the 18th respondent temple has been encroached by the 15th respondent and in order to safeguard the properties of the temple, the petitioner has sent a representation dated 18.02.2026 and 30.04.2026, and no action has been taken so far.

3. Learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to 16 submits that though the classification of land stands as 'grazing lands', vide G.O. (MD) No.2 dated 03.01.1995 and G.O.(MD) No.2 dated 26.02.2021, the property has already been leased out in favour of the 18th respondent.

4. It is needless to state that, whenever a representation is made to the statutory authorities, it is the duty of the authorities to dispose of the same within a limited period and non-consideration of the representation would amount to dereliction of duty.

5. Considering the nature of relief sought for in the present writ petition, the 15th respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's representations dated 18.02.2026 and 30.04.2026 and pass appropriate orders within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. (L.V.G.,J.) (N.S.,J.) 13-05-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order KST To