J.Rajagopal v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25.07.2025 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE J.NISHA BANU AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.JOTHIRAMAN W.P.No.24065 of 2025 and W.M.P.No.27082 of 2025 J.Rajagopal ... Petitioner -vs1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Cuddalore & District.

2. The Vellakarai Grama Panchayat, Rep. by its President, Vellakarai, Cuddalore District.

3. Sanjana ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to take necessary steps to forbid the construction of temple by the 3rd respondent in the land classified as Grama Natham in order to maintain public tranquility. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Vijendran For R1 : Mr.M.Venkateswaran Spl. Govt. Pleader For R2 : Mr.V.Ravi Spl. Govt. Pleader For R3 : Mr.P.Krishnamurthy *****

O R D E R

1/4

(By J.Nisha Banu,J.) This Writ Petition has been filed for a direction to the 1st respondent to take necessary steps to forbid the construction of temple by the 3rd respondent in the land classified as Grama Natham in order to maintain public tranquility.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that the 3rd respondent, who has become a transgender from the male folk, proposed to construct a Temple exclusive for the transgender like Koovagam Temple near the residential house of the petitioner and construction of such Temple would create unrest in the Hamlet. The Temple is being constructed without any proper approval from the authorities concerned as required under the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1988. Though the petitioner has given a representation dated 14.06.2025 to the 1st respondent to forbear R3 from constructing the Temple, it did not evoke any response. Hence, the petitioner is before this Court.

3. Though the petitioner has come out with a larger prayer, the 2/4

learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that it would suffice, if the 1st respondent is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner.

4. Learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the 1st respondent stated that a reasonable time may be granted to the 1st respondent for considering and passing appropriate orders on the representation of the petitioner.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and also the submission of the counsel for the petitioner, we deem it fit that it would suffice to direct the 1st respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 14.06.2025. Accordingly, this Court, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, directs the 1st respondent to consider the representation dated 14.06.2025 of the petitioner, by giving an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner and R3 and thereafter, pass necessary orders in accordance with law. Such an exercise shall be carried out within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. J.NISHA BANU, J.

AND M.JOTHIRAMAN , J.

3/4

ar

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. (J.N.B,J.,) (M.J.R,J.,) 25.07.2025 Index: Yes / No Internet: Yes / No Speaking Order/Non Speaking Order ar To:

1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Cuddalore & District.

2. The President, Vellakarai Grama Panchayat, Vellakarai, Cuddalore District.

4/4