B.Sivaramakrishnan, v. Mr. P.N.Sridhar, Ias.,

2026:MHC:965

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 06-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE S. M. SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE K. SURENDER B.Sivaramakrishnan ..Petitioner(s) Vs Mr. P.N.Sridhar, IAS., The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Chennai - 600 034.

..Contemnor(s) Contempt Petition filed under Section 11 to punish the respondent herein for the acts of Contempt of Court for wilful disobedience of the Order, dated 21.11.2023 passed in W.P.No. 32850 of 2023, on the file of this Honourable Court For Petitioner(s):

Mrs.Elizabeth Ravi For Contemnor(s):

Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan Special Government Pleader (HR AND CE)

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by S.M.Subramaniam J.) With reference to the order passed in WP.No.32850 of 2023, dated 21.11.2023, learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that undertaking given by the 1st respondent has not been complied with. Thus, contempt petition is filed.

2. Several encroachments are yet to be removed and the authorities are not initiating any action for removal of encroachments.

3. Learned Special Government Pleader for HR & CE would oppose by stating that eviction proceeding under Section 78 of the HR & CE Act was initiated, and Joint Commissioner, Cuddalore passed an order in Proceedings Na.Ka.No.9896/2023/A4/, dated 12.04.2024 in respect of one encroachment. 18 encroachments are identified in temple properties, and enforcement actions are initiated against all the 18 encroachers. Section 78 final orders have already been passed against all the 18 encroachers. Encroachers have preferred a revision under Section 21 of the HR & CE Act before the Commissioner of HR & CE Department. The said revision is pending. Soon after disposal of the revision petition by the Commissioner of HR & CE Department, all appropriate actions will be initiated in the manner known to law.

It is needless to state that, if the encroachments are confirmed by the Commissioner, all such encroachments in the temple properties are to be removed without causing any undue delay. Respondents are directed to expedite the disposal of the revision petition, now pending before the Commissioner of HR & CE Department.

4. With the above observations, the contempt petition is closed. No costs. Consequently, the connected sub-applications petitions, if any, are closed.

(S.M.S.,J.) (K.S.,J.) 06-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order GD To The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Chennai - 600 034.

S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.

AND K.SURENDER, J.

GD 06-03-2026