M.Ramesh v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 27-04-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE S. M. SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE K. SURENDER M.Ramesh ..Petitioner Vs
1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Gundu Salai Road, Manjakuppam, Cuddalore- 607 001.
2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District- 606 001.
3. The Tahsildar Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District- 606 001.
4. Mulukkandi Vagaiyara Rep. by Mr.Kuppusamy, S/o.Rajavel, West Street, Vadakiruppu Village, Iruppu Post, Virudhachalam Taluk,
5. The Commissioner, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.
6. The Joint Commissioner,
7. The Assistant Commissioner, (R5 to R7 suo motu impleaded vide order dated 04.08.2025 made in WP.No.28737/2025) ..Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 3 to remove the encroachment and demolish any construction work thereon in survey No. 210/8 and 210/9 situate at Iruppu Village, Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore District within the time limit to be fixed by this Court and consequently forbear the Respondents 1 to 3 from granting any permission to conduct kumbabishekam to be held on 08.08.2025 or any other date for the newly constructed temple in Survey No.210/8 and 210/9 situate at Iruppu Village, Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore District.
For Petitioner :
Mrs.C.Uma For Respondents :
Mr.T.Arunkumar, Addl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R3 Mrs.V.Suguna for Mr.C.Munusamy for R4 Mr.S.Ravichandran, Addl. Govt. Pleader (HR&CE) for R5 to R7 -------
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by S.M.Subramaniam J.) With reference to the relief sought for in the Writ Petition, the learned Additional Government Pleader for HR & CE would submit that the Authorities have identified the encroachments and a fit person was appointed by the Department and taken over the temple administration. Thus, all appropriate eviction proceedings will be initiated under Section 78 of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act.
2. In view of the said factum, the official respondents are directed to initiated eviction proceedings under the provision of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act by following the procedures and ensure that the encroachers are evicted from the temple properties within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
3. With these directions, the Writ petition is disposed of. No costs. (S.M.S.,J.) (K.S.,J.) 27-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order DSA
To
1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Gundu Salai Road, Manjakuppam, Cuddalore- 607 001.
2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District- 606 001.
3. The Tahsildar Virudhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District- 606 001.
4. Mulukkandi Vagaiyara Rep. by Mr.Kuppusamy, S/o.Rajavel, West Street, Vadakiruppu Village, Iruppu Post, Virudhachalam Taluk,
5. The Commissioner, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.
6. The Joint Commissioner,
7. The Assistant Commissioner,
S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.
AND K.SURENDER, J.
DSA 27-04-2026