M.Arunachalam v. The District Collector,
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :18.03.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY M.Arunachalam ... Petitioner Vs
1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.
2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Maharaja Nagar, Tirunelveli-627011.
3. The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.
4. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Kokkirakulam, Tirunelveli District.
... 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 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 20.12.2025 and consequently appoint a Fit Person to administer and manage the affairs of Arulmigu Sarguna Vinayagar Temple, Gopalasamuthiram Village, Tirunelveli District, and further, direct the respondents to ensure 1/5
that persons belonging to all communities are permitted to enter the temple and worship the deity peacefully.
For Petitioner : Mr. V. Shathurthi Raja For Respondents : Mr.J.K.Jayaselan Government Advocate
O R D E R
The writ petition is filed for a Mandamus to consider the petitioner's representation dated 20.12.2025.
2. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and perusing the material records of the case, it is seen that the prayer of the petitioner in the representation is that, with reference to Arulmigu Sarguna Vinayagar Temple, Gopalasamuthiram Village, Tirunelveli District, as on date, there is no Board of Trustees appointed by the respondent Department and the temple has to be managed properly and its properties have to be taken care of. In view thereof, the petitioner is praying for the appointment of a fit person.
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3. When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Additional Counsel Pleader, taking notice on behalf of the respondents, would submit that the second respondent has already taken the representation of the petitioner for enquiry and the enquiry is under progress. Due orders will be passed if time is granted.
4. In view thereof, this Court is of the view that let the enquiry be completed and the order be passed as expeditiously as possible and in any event not later than four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order.
4. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.
NCC : Yes/No 18.03.2026 apd To
1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.
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2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Maharaja Nagar, Tirunelveli-627011.
3. The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.
4. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Kokkirakulam, Tirunelveli District.
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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY .,J.
apd ORDER MADE IN 18.03.2026 5/5