Rajathi v. The Joint Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 01.04.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P(MD)Nos.7024 and 7025 of 2026 Rajathi ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Trichy.

2. The Executive Officer, Arulmighu Gurunathaswamy Angalaparameshwari Temple, Thuvarankurichi, Marungaapuri Taluk, Trichy District.

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorari calling for the records of the Impugned Notice dated 21.11.2025 issued by the 2nd respondent and quash the same as illegal and pass such other or further orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice.

For Petitioner :Mr.B.Arun For R1 :Mr.M.Sarangan Additional Government Pleader For R2 :Mr.R.Murali

ORDER

The writ petition is filed challenging the impugned notice dated 21.11.2025.

2. Heard Mr.B.Arun, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, Mr.M.Sarangan, learned Additional Government Pleader, who takes notice on behalf of the 1st respondent and Mr.R.Murali, learned counsel who takes notice on behalf of the 2nd respondent.

3. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and upon perusing the material records of the case, it can be seen that the petitioner, though claiming to have purchased the property from a third party, has not taken any steps to assert title as against the temple with reference to the property in question.

4. According to the Temple, the petitioner is an encroacher and due orders have already been passed with reference to eviction. However, considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the petitioner was given an opportunity to deposit the entire arrears of rent so as to continue as a tenant in the property; otherwise, the orders of eviction is to be implemented. Notices were issued granting one last opportunity to the petitioner to deposit the arrears of rent mentioned therein within a period of 15 days. The said period of 15 days also expired in the month of December 2025. Now, belatedly, in April 2026, this writ petition has been filed.

5. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the 1st respondent stoutly opposed the entertaining of the writ petition. He would further submit that if the petitioner deposits the entire damages amount, it would be open to them to approach the 2nd respondent for regularization as a tenant.

6. The learned Counsel for the petitioner alternatively would plead that time can be extended for payment of the arrears.

7. In view thereof, considering the plea made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, one last opportunity is granted to the petitioner. The time granted by impugned notice is extended till 03.04.2026. It is made clear that no further extension of time will be granted and if the petitioner fails to deposit the amount on or before 03.04.2026, further steps for eviction shall be taken by the respondents in the manner known to law.

8. With the above observation, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

01.04.2026 (2/3) Index: Yes Speaking Order: Yes rgm

To

1. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Trichy.

2. The Executive Officer, Arulmighu Gurunathaswamy Angalaparameshwari Temple, Thuvarankurichi, Marungaapuri Taluk, Trichy District.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

rgm and W.M.P(MD)Nos.7024 and 7025 of 2026 01.04.2026 (2/3)