Baskaran C v. The Chief Secretary
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :12.03.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY C.Baskaran ... Petitioner Vs
1. The Chief Secretary, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Secretariat Office Building, Chennai.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Sachithanantha Moopanar Road, Thanjavur.
3. The Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer, Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Thirukovil, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam.
4. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur.
... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 30.12.2025, to appoint an Executive Officer to manage and administer 1/5
the Santhana Gopalasamy Matt and Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple properties, which is situated in Kodeeshwaran Sannathi, Kavarai Street, Keelakottaiyur, Melakaveri Post, Kumbakonam, and other properties in and around Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District. For Petitioner : M/s. A.S.Shangeetha For Respondents : Mr.M.Sarangan Additional Government Pleader
O R D E R
The prayer in the writ petition is to consider the petitioner's representation dated 30.12.2025 and to appoint an Executive Officer to manage and administer the Santhana Gopalasamy Matt and Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple properties, which are situated in Kodeeshwaran Sannathi, Kavarai Street, Keelakottaiyur, Melakaveri Post, Kumbakonam, and other properties in and around Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District.
2. Upon hearing the learned Counsel for the petitioner and perusing the representation submitted by the petitioner, it can be seen that the petitioner is alleging maladministration of the Mutt, the temple and its properties by the Trustees.
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3. In this writ petition, the trustees are not made as parties. This Court is not expressing any opinion as to the correctness or otherwise of the allegations that are made by the petitioner. The fourth respondent shall take up the representation of the petitioner dated 30.12.2025 for enquiry. Due notice to the petitioner as well as the Trustees or any other persons interested shall be issued and after conducting enquiry, orders, in accordance with law, shall be passed.
4. Needless to mention that both sides will be entitled to place on record such documents and other evidence in support of their claims. Let the above exercise be completed as expeditiously as possible, in any event not later than sixteen (16) weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order.
5. With these observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.
NCC : Yes/No 12.03.2026 apd 3/5
To
1. The Chief Secretary, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Secretariat Office Building, Chennai.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Sachithanantha Moopanar Road, Thanjavur.
3. The Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer, Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Thirukovil, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam.
4. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur.
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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY .,J.
apd ORDER MADE IN 12.03.2026 5/5