Thiraviyam.C v. The Joint Commissioner
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 05.07.2022
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.NIRMAL KUMAR C.Thiraviyam .. Petitioner Vs 1.The Joint Commissioner, Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Palayankottai, Tirunelveli District.
2.The Assistant Commissioner, Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Sankarankovil, Thenkasi District.
.. Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 22.07.2020 and further to direct the respondents to renovate the Mandapam which is situated adjacent to Arulmigu Sorimuthu Iyyanar Temple, Singampatti, Tirunelveli District. For Petitioner : Mr.V.Rajiv Rufus For Respondents : Mr.M.Lingadurai, Special Government Pleader 1/6
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation, dated 22.07.2020 and further to direct the respondents to renovate the Mandapam which is situated adjacent to Arulmigu Sorimuthu Iyyanar Temple, Singampatti, Tirunelveli District. 2.The contention of the petitioner is that the petitioner had sent a representation to the first respondent on 22.07.2022. In the Arulmigu Sorimuthu Iyyanar Temple, Singampatti, Tirunelveli District, there is a Mandapam for the devotees to take rest. The Mandapam is catering to the Iyyappa devotees, who regularly visited the temple, have lunch there and also rest for a while thereafter continued their Padayathra. This Mandapam is in existence.
The roof of the Mandapam is with tile roof and for some maintenance work, the same removed 14 months prior. Thereafter no repair and restoration done. The petitioner had sent representation to repair and replace the roof, no action taken. The petitioner received acknowledgment in Na.Ka.No.8165/2020/Aa1 dated 31.07.
petition, forwarded to the Executive Officer of the temple and appropriate steps will be taken. Till date, no steps taken. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.
3.The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that the representation received and the same forwarded to the Executive Officer for taking appropriate action. The Honourable Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, had announced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly that 15 crores allotted for the maintenance work for various temples, throughout the State. The Sorimuthu Iyyanar Temple, Singampatti, Tirunelveli District requirement will considered and soon appropriate orders will be issued. 4.The representation will be received by the State Level HR and CE Committee and depending upon the priority, grants for renovation will be released. Apart from it, the Executive Oficer of the temple would also find out, if sufficient funds are available then renovation can be done from the temple funds or through donor work. In any event, the roof would be replaced within stipulated period without any delay from the funds or allotment of grants.
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5.Considering the submission and on perusal of the records, it is seen that the petitioner had sent a representation as early as on 22.07.2022. In the representation it is seen that 14 months prior, the roof is removed and so far it has not been replaced and restored. Thereby causing inconvenience to devotees and pilgrims. 6.In view of the above, this Court directs the first respondent/Joint Commissioner to ensure that the replacement and restoration of the tile roof to be completed preferably within a period of nine (9) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is made clear that this 9 months is only an outer period, if the first respondent/Joint Commissioner is able to complete the restoration of the roof before that it, would be appreciated.
7.With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.
05.07.2022 Index: Yes/No Internet : Yes/No vsg 4/6
To:
1.The Joint Commissioner, Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Palayankottai, Tirunelveli District.
2.The Assistant Commissioner, Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Sankarankovil, Thenkasi District.
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M.NIRMAL KUMAR, J.
vsg 05.07.2022 6/6