Muthukumar .M v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 05.04.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN W.P.(MD)No.8007 of 2024 and W.M.P.(MD)No.7260 of 2024 M.Muthukumar ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, O/o. District Collector, Sivagangai District.

2.The Tahsildar, Ilaiyankudi Taluk, Ilaiyankudi, Sivagangai District.

3.The Inspector of Police,, O/o. Inspector of Police, Ilayankudi Police Station, Sivagangai District.

4.M.Venkatesan Chettiar, The Hereditary Trustee, Arulmigu Muthumariyamman Thiru Kovil, Thayamangalam, Ilaiyankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District.

5.K.Selvi 6.Pothum Ponnu @ Mani ... Respondents 1/4

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st to 4th respondents to allow the petitioner to do the temple activities in Arulmigu Thayamangalam Muthu Mariyamman Thiru Kovil based upon the representation of the petitioner dated 23.03.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Ramsundarvijayaraj For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani, Spl. Government Pleader for R1 & R2.

Mr.A.Albert James, Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side) for R3.

Mr.T.S.Mohamed Mohideen for R4.

Mr.Malakani for R5 & R6.

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2.The issue raised in this writ petition is who can officiate as the poojari for the petition mentioned temple. The Writ Court cannot go into such factual disputes. The only relief that I can grant is that the authorities should keep away and that it is for the parties herein to work out their rights in the manner 2/4

known to law before the jurisdictional Civil Court or before the authorities under Section 63 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.

3.Granting such liberty, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 05.04.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias To:- 1.The District Collector, O/o. District Collector, Sivagangai District.

2.The Tahsildar, Ilaiyankudi Taluk, Ilaiyankudi, Sivagangai District.

3.The Inspector of Police,, O/o. Inspector of Police, Ilayankudi Police Station, Sivagangai District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 05.04.2024 4/4