K.Shanmugam v. Commissioner
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 18-11-2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE P.B. BALAJI AND WMP NO. 49533 OF 2025 K.Shanmugam ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The COMMISSIONER Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.
2. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, , Perundurai Rd, V Chatram, Nggo Colony, E Rode-638 011
3. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, Ex-army Bungalow Gandhi Road, Erode-638 001.
4. S.Karthikeyan ..Respondent(s)
Prayer:
Writ petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India to issue a writ of Mandamus seeking a direction to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to complete the process of taking over Vinayagar, Mahakaliamman, Marriamman Temple at Puthukaraipudur Village, Gobichettipalayam taluk, Erode District in the light of 3rd respondents communication dated 07.07.2025 and 12.09.2025 within the time frame fixed by this Honourable Court. For Petitioner(s):
Mr.R.Anishkumar For Respondent(s):
Mr.K.Karthekeiyan Government Advocate (for R1 to R3)
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed seeking a writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to complete the process of taking over Vinayagar, Mahakaliamman, Marriamman Temple at Puthukaraipudur Village, Gobichettipalayam taluk, Erode District in the light of 3 rd respondent's communications dated 07.07.2025 and 12.09.2025 within the time frame fixed by this Court.
2. Mr.K.Karthekeiyan, learned Government Advocate accepts notice for the respondents 1 to 3.
3. The petitioner claims to be the kothukarar of the Vinayagar alias Mahakaliamman Marriamman Temple situated at Puthukaraipudur Village, Gobichettipalayam taluk, Erode District and has sent representations on 07.07.2025 and 12.09.2025, seeking directions to complete the process of taking over the temple. In fact, earlier a writ petition was filed in W.P.No.10164 of 2025 and by order dated 21.03.2025, directions were issued to the department.
4. The grievance of the petitioner is that, despite the earlier order of this Court, the process of taking over the temple remains incomplete, which has lead to unnecessary tension in the village. The petitioner seeks action against mismanagement and alleged misappropriation of temple funds and properties at the hands of the 4 th respondent. The petitioner has filed the instant writ petition seeking issuance of writ of mandamus.
5. Mr.K.Karthekeiyan, learned Government Advocate appearing for the writ petition, on instructions, submits that already directions have been issued to the authorities concerned pursuant to the order passed in W.P.No.10164 of 2025
and he would therefore submit that the representations of the petitioner dated 07.07.2025 and 12.09.2025 were forwarded to the 1 st respondent by the 3 rd respondent with his recommendations on 17.10.2025 and will be addressed expeditiously.
6. In view of the limited prayer sought for by the writ petitioner, notice to the private respondent is dispensed with.
7. The writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the 1 st respondent to dispose of the petitioner's representations dated 07.07.2025 and 12.09.2025 on the recommendations the 3 rd respondent dated 17.10.2025 within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order on merits and in accordance with law. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
18-11-2025 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order mpl
To
1. The COMMISSIONER Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.
2. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, , Perundurai Rd, V Chatram, Nggo Colony, E Rode-638 011
3. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, Ex-army Bungalow Gandhi Road, Erode-638 001.
P.B.BALAJI J.
mpl AND WMP NO. 49533 OF 2025 18-11-2025
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 27-11-2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.B. BALAJI K.Shanmugam Petitioner(s) Vs
1. COMMISSIONER Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai34. 2.Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments,
Perundurai Rd, V Chatram, Nggo Colony, Erode-638 011 3.Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowments, Ex-army Bungalow Gandhi Road, Erode-638 001. 4.S.Karthikeyan Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s):
Mr.R.Anishkumar For Respondent:
Mr.K.Karthekeiyan, Govt. Advocate for RR1 to 3
ORDER
Today, the matter is listed under the caption "for being mentioned".
2. In continuation of the earlier order of this Court dated 18.11.2025, passed in W.P.No.44397 of 2025, paragraph Nos.3, 5 and 7 of the order may be substituted as follows:
"3.The petitioner claims to be the kothukarar of the Vinayagar alias Mahakaliamman Marriamman Temple situated at Puthukaraipudur Village, Gobichettipalayam Taluk, Erode District and has sent representations on 16.12.2024 and 24.02.2025, seeking directions to complete the process of taking over the temple. In fact, earlier a writ petition was filed in W.P.No.10164 of 2025 and by order dated 21.03.2025, directions were issued to the department.
5.Mr.K.Karthekeiyan, learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents 1 to 3, on instructions, submits that already directions have been issued to the authorities concerned pursuant to the order passed in W.P.No.10164 of 2025 and he would therefore submit that based on the proceedings of the 3 rd respondent dated 07.07.2025 and 12.09.2025, the 1 st respondent will address the same expeditiously.
7.The writ petition is disposed of with the direction to the 1 st respondent to pass final orders, based on the 3 rd respondent proceedings dated 07.07.2025 and 12.09.2025, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, on
merits and in accordance with law. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed."
3. All other observations made in the earlier order dated 18.11.2025, shall remain intact.
4. The Registry is directed to issue fresh order copy after carrying out necessary corrections.
27-11-2025 smv P.B.BALAJI J.
smv
27-11-2025