S.K. Nandhakumar v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 10.11.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE P.B. BALAJI S.K.Nandhakumar ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Commissioner The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Kancheepuram 2.The Commissioner The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Uthamar Gandhi Road Nungambakkam Chennai - 34 ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 13.09.2025 within stipulated time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Jaisingh For Respondents : Mr.S.Ravichandran Additional Government Pleader 1/4

ORDER

Heard the counsel for the petitioner and Mr.S.Ravichandran, the learned Additional Government Pleader, appearing for the respondents. With the consent of the counsel on either side, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal.

2.The case of the Writ petitioner is that his family was running a cinema theater under the name of Thirumalai Talkies on the land belonging to the Arulmigu Ekambara Swamy Temple on G.S.T Road, Chengalpattu, since 1937. The petitioner claims to be paying his rent regularly, however, the rent was unilaterally increased from Rs.350/- to Rs.44,000/- which was challenged by the petitioner in R.P.No.44 of 2012, and final orders were passed fixing the monthly rent at Rs.48,000/-. According to the petitioner, the temple authorities refused to issue receipts despite the payments made by the petitioner at the rate of Rs.48,000/-. 3.While the matter stood thus, now the temple has issued a tender for demolition of the theater without notice to the petitioner. The petitioner has given a representation on 13.09.2025, requesting the respondents to recall the demolition notice. The petitioner merely seeks for issuance of Writ of 2/4

Mandamus, to direct the respondents to consider the said representation of the petitioner expeditiously considering the limited prayer, without going into the merits and demerits of the representation of the petitioner. 4.The Writ Petition is disposed of in the following manner: (i) The petitioner shall make a representation to the Joint Commissioner, H.R.&C.E, Kancheepuram, within a period of two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, enclosing the earlier representation given to the Commissioner H.R.&C.E. (ii) On receipt of such representation, the 2nd respondent shall pass orders on merits and in accordance with law disposing of the said representation of the petitioner within a period of six (6) weeks thereafter. No costs.

10.11.2025 kas Index : Yes / No Speaking / Non Speaking 3/4

P.B. BALAJI, J.

kas To 1.The Commissioner The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Kancheepuram 2.The Commissioner The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Uthamar Gandhi Road Nungambakkam Chennai - 34 10.11.2025 4/4