V.Mani v. The Commissioner
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED:17.10.2025 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI V.Mani ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department Chennai-600 034.
2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department, Kotai Mariamman Temple Complex, Salem-636 001.
3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department Kotai Mariamman Temple Complex, Salem-636 001.
4.M.Nalla Gounder 5.N.Ammasi 6.N.Lakshmanan 7.M.Sengodan 8.K.Srinivasan 9.Senthil Kumar 10.Angamuthu ... Respondents 1/6
PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 3rd respondent to consider my representations dated 11.12.2024 and 16.08.2025 and bringing the temple under the control of the Department pass orders withing time stipulated. For Petitioner : Mr.U.Gowrishankar For Respondents : Mr.S.Ravichandran, Additional Government Pleader (HR &CE) for RR-1 to 3.
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking 2nd respondent to consider the petitioners representation dated 11.12.2024 and 16.08.2025 seeking to take over the temple under the control of HR & CE Department. 2.Mr.S.Ravichandran, learned Additional Government Pleader (HR &CE) takes notice on behalf of respondents 1 to 3.
3. The petitioner is the hereditary trustee of Arulmigu Chinna Mariamman Temple situated at Konasamuthiram Village, Kanyampatti, Edappadi Taluk, Salem District. He had submitted a representation dated 11.12.2024 to the 3rd respondent seeking to bring the temple under the control of HR & CE Department by setting out the irregularities that is being committed by the private respondents as well as the mismanagement of the temple which did 2/6
not evoke any response from the respondents. Hence, in order to espouse the said cause, the petitioner made another representation dated 16.08.2025 to the 3rd respondent. However, the same has not been considered till date. Hence, the petitioner has come up with the present Writ Petition.
4. Though very many grounds have been raised, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 11.12.2024 and 16.08.2025 and pass orders on the same within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.
5. Learned Additional Government Pleader (HR & CE) appearing for the respondents 1 to 3 submitted that, already proceedings have been initiated pursuant to the representation of the petitioner and that enquiry will be conducted in this regard and appropriate orders will be passed within the time frame that may be fixed by this Court.
6. In view of the submission made by the learned Additional Government Pleader (HR & CE), this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 3rd respondent to conclude the proceedings and pass appropriate orders within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties.
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7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.
17.10.2025 Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order Nhs 4/6
To 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department Chennai-600 034.
2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department, Kotai Mariamman Temple Complex, Salem-636 001.
3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Administration Department Kotai Mariamman Temple Complex, Salem-636 001.
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M.DHANDAPANI, J Nhs 17.10.2025 6/6