M.Subramaniam v. The Secretary
2025:MHC:1791
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 03-07-2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN and WMP Nos.27047 & 27049 of 2025 M.Subramaniam Petitioner(s) Vs 1.The Secretary Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, TNPSC Road, VOC Nagar, Park Town, Chennai-600 003.
2.The Additional Chief Secretary to Government Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, 19, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.
3.The Commissioner H.R. and C.E Department, 19, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.
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Respondent(s) PRAYER to call for the records pertaining to the impugned Notification No.8/2025 dated 07.05.2025 issued by Respondent No.1, Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission and quash the same to the extent it mandates 15 years and 10 years of experience respectively for the posts of Chief Sthapathi and Regional Sthapathi and consequently direct the respondent No.1 to issue a fresh notification for the said posts only through the merits basis by conducting qualifying written and practical examination. For Petitioner(s):
Mr.Arun Kasi For Respondent(s):
Mr.P.J.Rishikesh,S.C., [For TNPSC] For R1 Mr.S.Ravichandran, A.G.P., [H.R.&.C.E] For R2 & R3
ORDER
The present writ petition has been filed challenging the impugned notification dated 07.05.2025.
2. It is the submission of the petitioner that he is eligible for appointment to the post of Chief Sthapathi, which requires specific qualification of the said post is as follows:
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Chief Sthapathi (i) Must possess Bachelor of Technology in Traditional Architecture or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Traditional Sculpture; and (ii) Must have practical experience for a period of not less than fifteen years in the field of temple renovation (iii) Other things being equal, preference shall be given to those who have obtained a degree in Bachelor of Technology in Traditional Architecture or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Traditional Sculpture awarded by the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture, Mamallapuram
3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that obtaining an experience certificate for 15 years is impractical, as the Sthapathi's job is an unorganised sector. Therefore, the qualification sought for the post of Chief Sthapathi is unreasonable and hence prayed to interfere with the same.
4. Per contra, the learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission would strongly object the contentions of the petitioner and submitted that Commission is merely a recruiting agency that adheres to the qualifications prescribed by the user department. According to the user department's instructions, the required qualifications for the post are Page No.3 of 7
as specified in the notification.
5. The learned counsel for the respondent further contended that according to the Gazette Notification dated February 14, 2024 the Rules governing the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Traditional Architecture Service were amended. Specifically, Section 4 of the amended Rules incorporates the qualification referred to in the notification. Therefore, if the petitioner has got any grievances, he should have challenged the Government order rather than the notification.
6. That apart, the learned counsel for the petitioner would invite the attention of this Court that as on date the petitioner is aged about 67 years. According to Clause 4.1.4 of the notification, there is no age limit for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste category.
7. However, the learned Standing Counsel objects to this submission by pointing out that Clause 4.1.4 also specifies that candidates should not have Page No.4 of 7
completed 60 years as on 01.07.2025, wherever a maximum age limit is provided. Since the petitioner is 67 years old, this Court finds no merit in this writ petition.
8. Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands dismissed. No costs. Consequently, the connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed. 03-07-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes Jeni Page No.5 of 7
To 1.The Secretary Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, TNPSC Road, VOC Nagar, Park Town, Chennai-600 003.
2.The Additional Chief Secretary To Government Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, 19, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34 3.The Commissioner H.R. and C.E Department, 19, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34 Page No.6 of 7
C.KUMARAPPAN J.
Jeni 03-07-2025 Page No.7 of 7