R.Govindasamy v. The Chief Secretary

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 21.07.2023 CORAM :

THE HON'BLE MR.SANJAY V.GANGAPURWALA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE P.D.AUDIKESAVALU R.Govindasamy : Petitioner versus 1.The Chief Secretary, Secretariat, Puducherry 1 2.The Secretary, Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Wakf Secretariat, Puducherry 1 3.The Commissioner, Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Wakf 3rd Floor, Collectorate Complex Pettaiyan Chathiram, Puducherry 605 009 4.Karunanithi 5.Manoharan 6.P.Babu : Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the third respondent to conduct enquiry and to take action on the representation dated 10.05.2023 sent by the petitioner in accordance with law.

For the Petitioner :

Mr.G.Pugazenthi For the Respondents :

Mr.Ravee Kumar, Government Pleader (Puducherry) for respondents 1 to 3

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by The Hon'ble Chief Justice) We have heard Mr.G.Pugazhenthi, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.Ravee Kumar, Government Pleader (Puducherry) for respondents 1 to 3.

2. It is submitted by learned counsel for the petitioner that respondents 4 to 6 are illegally collecting funds in the name of renovation of the temple. The petitioner has already filed a criminal case and first information report is registered.

3. According to the petitioner, the petitioner has also approached the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department by filing a representation. The representation, it appears, was filed on 10.05.2023. But the same is addressed to the Chief Secretary, Secretariat.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner also admits that it is respondent No.3, who is the appropriate authority. In that case, the petitioner may approach the third respondent by filing a necessary complaint/representation. In case such a complaint is filed with the third respondent, the third respondent shall look into the matter and take a decision accordingly.

5. The writ petition is disposed of. There will be no order as to costs.

(S.V.G., CJ.) (P.D.A., J.) 21.07.2023 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No tar To:

1.The Chief Secretary, Secretariat, Puducherry 1 2.The Secretary, Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Wakf Secretariat, Puducherry 1 3.The Commissioner, Department of Hindu Religious Institutions and Wakf 3rd Floor, Collectorate Complex Pettaiyan Chathiram, Puducherry 605 009

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND P.D.AUDIKESAVALU, J.

(tar) 21.07.2023