R.Govindaraj v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 14.02.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY R.GOVINDARAJ ... Petitioner Vs 1.

THE COMMISSIONER, H.R & C.E., DEPARTMENT, NO. 119, UTHAMAR GANDHI SALAI, CHENNAI - 600 034.

2.

THE JOINT COMMISSIONER, H.R. & C.E., DEPARTMENT, NO.63H, GANDHI NAGAR, THIRUVENNANALLUR, THIRUVANNAMALAI - 606 601.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the representation dated 31.01.2024.

For Petitioner : Dr.G.Babu For R1 & R2 : Mr.K.Karthikeyan Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

This writ petition is filed seeking a mandamus directing the respondents 1/5

to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 31.01.2024.

2. The grievance of the petitioner is that he is a devotee of the Arulmigu Shri Anumantha Narayana Swamy Temple situated at Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Kaveripattinam.The petitioner alleges that the persons in charge of the temple's affairs are not properly managing the properties and assets of the temple, leading to mismanagement. Therefore, the petitioner has made a complaint to therespondents.

3. When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents would submit that the respondents are already taking action pursuant to a similar direction in W.P.No. 5089 of 2025. The petitioner's representation will also be duly considered and action will betaken to restore all the assets of the temple by following due process of law.

4. In view thereof, this writ petition is disposed of on the following terms:- 2/5

(i) The respondents shall issue notice to the petitioner, hear the petitioner and take into account any information which the petitioner possessin the course of the said action.

(ii) The respondents shall take all necessary steps to restore proper management of the temple and ensure that the movable and immovable assets of the temple remain intact.

(iii) It is also noted that if the temple is functioning without a trustee, the respondents shall expedite the action to appoint the trustees in accordance with the due process of law.

(iv) No costs.

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THE COMMISSIONER, H.R & C.E., DEPARTMENT, 3/5

NO. 119, UTHAMAR GANDHI SALAI, CHENNAI - 600 034.

2.

THE JOINT COMMISSIONER, H.R. & C.E., DEPARTMENT, NO.63H, GANDHI NAGAR, THIRUVENNANALLUR, THIRUVANNAMALAI - 606 601.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

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