Madras High CourtWP/49312/2025disposed of

M.Anandhi v. The Secretary To Government

2025-12-17Honourable Mr.Justice D.Bharatha Chakravarthy5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 17-12-2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY M.Anandhi Petitioner Vs

1. The Secretary to Government, Tourism Culture and Religious Secretariat, Chennai- 600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai- 600 034.

3.The Chief Engineer, Hindu Religious and Charitable 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai- 600 034.

4.The Archaeological Commissioner, Egmore, Chennai - 600 008.

5.The Collector, Salem Town- 636 001.

6.The Commissioner of Police, Line Medu, Salem- 636 006.

7.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable 8.The Executive Engineer, Hindu Religious and Charitable

9. The Trustees/Fit Person, Arulmigu Azhagirinadhar Swamy Temple, Fort, Salem Town- 636 001.

10.The Trustees /Fit Person, Arulmigu Ambalavanaswamy Temple, Gugai, Salem- 636 006.

11.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Azhagirinadhar Swamy Temple, Fort, Salem Town- 636 001.

12.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Ambalavanaswamy Temple, Gugai, Salem-636 006.

Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to take immediate steps along with other concerned respondents herein to retrieve and renovate both "Kal Mandabam" situated in Ammapet Police Limit, Ward-AJ, Block No.3, Town Survey No.30, to an extent of 3357 square feet and Town Survey No.224, Ward- K, Block No.28, to an extent of 1000 square feet are belonging to 11th and 12th respondent temple respectively by considering petitioner's representations dated 22.10.2025 and 13.12.2025. For Petitioner:

Ms.R.Poornima For Respondents:

Mr.S.Ravichandran, Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

The writ petition is filed for a direction to the second respondent to take immediate steps, along with other concerned respondents, to retrieve and renovate the two "Kal Mandabam" situated in Ammapet Police Limit, Ward-AJ, Block No.3, Town Survey No.30, to an extent of 3357 square feet and Town

Survey No.224, Ward- K, Block No.28, to an extent of 1000 square feet are belonging to 11th and 12th respondent temple respectively by considering petitioner's representations dated 22.10.2025 and 13.12.2025.

2. When the matter came up for admission, the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents, by placing the written instructions dated 16.12.2015 on record, would submit that action is already being taken by the authorities. They have prepared an estimate and placed it before the State Level Committee for getting the approval for the works to be carried out. After getting the due approvals, they will carry out the works according to the budget and ensure that the Kal Mandabams do not get dilapidated or put into disuse and that they are put to proper use.

3. The said undertaking is recorded. The second respondent is directed to carry out the works so that both the Kal Mandabams stand properly renovated, maintained and put to appropriate use of the temple as expeditiously as possible, including the conduct of proper festivals of the temple.

4. In view thereof, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 17-12-2025 nsl