M.Ramesh v. The Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17-03-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY M.Ramesh ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Commissioner, The Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

2. The Joint Commissioner, The Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Seelapadi, Dindigul District.

3. The Managing Trustee, Arulmighu Kottai Mariamman Temple, Dindigul.

... 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 1,2 to take necessary action in regard to filling up the trustees as per the custom, usage prevailing in the 3rd respondent temple and in consonance with the judgment and decree dated 6/3/1978, 4/8/1969 made in A.S.No.48/1975, O.S.No.55/1969 respectively and on the basis of the petitioner representation dated 8.12.2025 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. 1/4

For Petitioner : Mr.R.G.Shankar Ganesh For Respondents : Mr.M.Sarangan Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

The writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the respondents to take action for filling up of the trustees as per the custom and usage prevailing in the 3rd respondent temple and in consonance with the judgement and decree dated 06.03.1978 and 04.08.1969 made in A.S.No.48 of 1975 and O.S.No.55 of 1969 respectively, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 08.12.2025.

2. When the matter came up for hearing today, learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents would submit that the enquiry is underway and the respondents are in the process of appointing the trustees. If ample time is given, the exercise will be completed.

3. In reply, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the enquiry is not being conducted in consonance with the judgment and decree of the Civil Court.

4. I have considered the rival submissions made on either side and perused the material records of the case. 2/4

5. It is submitted by the respondents that the enquiry is going on and the respondents are in the process of appointment of trustees. It will be open for the petitioner to appear before the 2nd respondent and place on record the judgment and decree in A.S.No.48 of 1975 dated 06.03.1978 and O.S.No.55 of 1969 dated 04.08.1969 respectively or such other materials.

6. In view thereof, the writ petition is disposed of on the following terms:- i. The petitioner shall appear before the 2nd respondent and place on record the judgment and decree in A.S.No.48 of 1975 dated 06.03.1978 and O.S.No.55 of 1969 dated 04.08.1969 respectively; ii.The 2nd respondent shall consider the same and appoint the trustees in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible, in any event, not later than 12 weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order. No costs.

17.03.2026 Index: Yes Speaking Order: Yes rgm 3/4

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

rgm To

1. The Commissioner, The Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

2. The Joint Commissioner, The Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Seelapadi, Dindigul District.

3. The Managing Trustee, Arulmighu Kottai Mariamman Temple, Dindigul.

17.03.2026 4/4