Veeramuthu v. The Commissioner,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 24.11.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE P.B.BALAJI Veeramuthu ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 34.
2.Shree Thiruvallesswara Devasthanam Rep by its Executive Officer, Padi, Chennai - 600 050.
... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to dispose the repr dated 22.02.2025 in light of the order dated 19.11.2024 passed in Rev.Appl. No.6 of 2025 within the time frame fixed by this Hon'ble Court. For Petitioner : Mr.B.Manoharan For Respondents : Mr.S.Ravichandran Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed directing the first respondent to dispose the 1/6
representation dated 22.02.2025 in light of the order dated 19.11.2024 passed in Rev.Appl. No.6 of 2025, within the time frame fixed by this Hon'ble Court.
2. Heard Mr.B.Manoharan, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr.S.Ravichandran, learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents.
3. The petitioner represents Nalachangam registered Welfare Association of the year 1971, formed for the welfare of leaseholders of Thiruvallesswarar Nagar, Padi, Chennai. The lands belonging to Shree Thiruvallesswarar Devasthanam were leased to various persons beginning 1971. The terms of the lease required the proposed lessees to construct residential buildings within six months and subject to the condition being complied, it was understood that the ownership would be transferred to the lessees. However according to the petitioner, the temple attempted to bring the lands for auction and the said proceedings were quashed by competent courts.
Subsequently, the Tamil Nadu Housing Board had initiated land acquisition proceedings for commencing housing project in the said subject lands and the said proceedings were upheld and challenge to the land acquisition proceedings by the temple was also unsuccessful. The petitioner's claimed that they are in long standing possession without any transfer of ownership despite having complied with all conditions imposed on the lessees.
liberty to them to separately to pursue their right regarding the regularisation of the tenancies.
4. According to the learned counsel for the petitioner Mr.B.Manoharan, in pursuance of the said order passed in writ court granting liberty to the petitioner, the petitioner's association has given multiple representations, last of which is dated 22.02.2025. Mr.B.Manoharan, therefore states that despite the said representation being forwarded to the Joint Commissioner of HR&CE, no further steps have been taken from June 2025.
5. Mr.S.Ravichandran, learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents submits that the process have already been started and the petitioner's representation would be disposed of on merits in accordance with law and after giving opportunity to the petitioner to establish that they are entitled to transfer ownership / lease, as applicable, subject to the initial understanding between the temple and the lessees.
6. In the light of the above, the Joint Commissioner, who is suo motu impleaded as third respondent in this writ petition. The petitioner shall forward a 3/6
copy of the representation given to the first respondent on 22.02.2025 to the third respondent and on receipt of the said representation and a copy of this order, the third respondent shall pass final orders, after giving a fair opportunity to the petitioner's association and its members within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. 24.11.2025 Index: Yes/No Internet: Yes/No Speaking/Non-Speaking order mtl To 1.The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board, Nungambakkam High Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 34.
2.Shree Thiruvallesswara Devasthanam Rep by its Executive Officer, Padi, Chennai - 600 050.
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P.B.BALAJI, J.
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