Madras High CourtWP/22956/2026disposed of

K.B.Abdul Rasheed v. The Commissioner

2026-06-18Honourable Mr Justice Krishnan Ramasamy6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 18-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY W.P. No. 22956 of 2026 K.B.Abdul Rasheed S/o.Late.Abdul Mujeeb ..Petitioner Vs

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Thousand Lights - Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034.

2. The Executive Officer, Muthu Kumarasamy Temple, Dharmaraja Koil Street, Tiruppathur-635 601.

..Respondents Prayer: This Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent to consider the representation of this petitioner dated 05.06.2026 and conclude the Revision Petition No.298/2024 on his file by fixing fair rent equal to that of the very next buildings in the same locality without causing prejudice to either sides and consequently grant permission to this petitioner to repair and renovate the dilapidated structure on his own costs which is now in a state of collapse at any time.

For Petitioner :

Mr.S.Deivasigamani For Respondents :

Mr.D.Yashwanth Rajan Government's Counsel (HR & CE)

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the first respondent to consider the representation of this petitioner dated 05.06.2026 and conclude the Revision Petition No.298/2024 on his file by fixing fair rent equal to that of the very next buildings in the same locality without causing prejudice to either sides and consequently grant permission to this petitioner to repair and renovate the dilapidated structure on his own costs which is now in a state of collapse at any time.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is a tenant of a property belongs to Arulmighu Muthu Kumarasamy Temple, Tiruppathur situated in Tiruppathur District since more than four decades by paying the fixed rent promptly without any default. While so, on 27.10.2020 the temple authorities issued a notice enhancing the rent from Rs.425/- to Rs.38,250/- per month from the year 2016 which is exorbitant. Therefore, the petitioner made a representation on 05.12.2020 for reduction of the same and fix fair rent equal to that of the very next buildings in the same locality which was not considered. In the meanwhile, on 10.03.2022 the first respondent issued some guideline by way of circular. One of such guideline is that before fixing the fair rent, sufficient opportunity to be granted to the tenants but the same has not been done in this case. Thereafter, the temple authorities

have issued second notice for coercive action. Therefore, the petitioner filed Revision Petition No.298 of 2024 before the first respondent for fixing fair rent equal to that of the very next buildings in the same locality without causing prejudice to either side. The said revision petition is pending till date without any conclusion.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the temple authorities again sent a notice for coercive action which was challenged by this petitioner by filing a writ petition in W.P.No.17660 of 2024 wherein this Court directed the petitioner to deposit a sum of Rs.15,00,000/- on or before 15.08.2024 and also directed the authorities concerned to take up the revision during the first week of September, 2024 and pass order within four weeks. Accordingly, the petitioner deposited the said amount of Rs.15,00,000/- on 14.08.2024. However, the authorities concerned have not disposed the Revision Petition. Therefore, the petitioner made a representation on 05.06.2026 to the first respondent to conclude the Revision Petition by fixing fair rent and grant permission to repair and renovate the dilapidated structure which is now in a state of collapse at any time. Since the said representation has not been considered by the first respondent, this Writ Petition has been filed.

4. Mr.D.Yashwanth Rajan, learned Government's Counsel (HR & CE) accepts notice on behalf of the respondents and submitted that the petitioner's

representation dated 05.06.2026 will be considered within a period of eight weeks and the consequential prayer is concerned, the second respondent is the authority to consider the same.

5. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the limited relief sought by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the first respondent to dispose of the Revision Petition No.298 of 2024 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 05.06.2026, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. With regard to the consequential prayer is concerned, the first respondent shall direct the second respondent to consider and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible.

7. With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

18-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SRM

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Thousand Lights - Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034.

2. The Executive Officer, Muthu Kumarasamy Temple, Dharmaraja Koil Street, Tiruppathur-635 601.

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.

SRM 18-06-2026