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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/1529/2026disposed of

Lakshminarayanan C v. The Commissioner

2026-01-22Honourable Mr Justice Krishnan Ramasamy6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Date : 22/01/2026

CORAM

The Hon`ble Mr.Justice KRISHNAN RAMASAMY and WMP(MD) No.1197 of 2026 Lakshminarayanan C S/o. N. Chandrasekaran 27 Middle Street Tallakulam Madurai - 625 002.

Petitioner Vs

1. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department Chennai - 600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department B-1 Road Ellis Nagar Madurai - 625 016.

3. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department B-1 Road Ellis Nagar Madurai - 625 016.

Respondents 1/6

Prayer:Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 2 and 3 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 30.09.2025 and 13.01.2026 in respect of appointment of petitioner as Trustee, Arulmigu Erattai Vinayagar Temple, Tallakulam, Madurai - 625 002.

For Petitioners : Mr.S.Manohar For Respondents : Mr.J.K.Jayaseelan Government Advocate

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed for a mandamus directing the respondents 2 and 3 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 30.09.2025 and 13.01.2026 in respect of appointment of petitioner as Trustee, Arulmigu Erattai Vinayagar Temple, Tallakulam, Madurai - 625 002.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate for the respondents. By consent of both sides, the writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

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3.Seeking to appoint the petitioner as Trustee at Arulmigu Erattai Vinayagar Temple, Tallakulam, Madurai - 625 002, the petitioner has given a representation to the respondents on 13.01.2026. Since the said representation was not considered so far, the petitioner is before this Court.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that after the great grandfather, grandfather and the father of the petitioner, the petitioner is continuing as Trustee till 30.08.2025. The learned counsel would submit that for continuation of his Trusteeship, the petitioner has given a representation on 30.09.2025 and 13.01.2026. However, the same has not been considered so far.

5. The learned counsel for the respondent would submit that in the present case, the petitioner's trusteeship has already been come to an end on 30.08.2025 and thereafter, they have called for applications in two occasions and in the first occasion, two applications were received and the same is yet to be decided. Therefore, he would submit that the 3/6

petitioner failed to file any application and hence, he has lost his opportunity. However, the petitioner has expressed his ignorance. The learned counsel for the respondent however submits that if any application is made by the petitioner and made an attempt, his case may be considered and he cannot now take a plea of ignorance.

6. I have considered the rival submissions and perused the materials available on record.

7. In the present case, after his ancestors, the petitioner has acted as Trustee till 30.09.2025 and his trusteeship has come to an end and subsequently, the respondents called for applications for trusteeship and the same is yet to be decided. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner has already preferred a representation on 30.09.2025. In such case, the respondents are directed to consider the said representation terming it as an application and out of the three applications, the respondents shall consider the same pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible. 4/6

With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. 22.01.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No RR To

1. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department Chennai - 600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department B-1 Road Ellis Nagar Madurai - 625 016.

3. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department B-1 Road Ellis Nagar Madurai - 625 016.

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KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J RR

ORDER

IN WP(MD) No.1529 of 2026 Date : 22.01.2026 6/6