Madras High CourtWP(MD)/8088/2026disposed of

A.Radhakrishnan v. The Secretary To Government

2026-03-25Honourable Mr Justice D.Bharatha Chakravarthy10 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 25.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY A.Radhakrishnan ... Petitioner in person Vs.

1. The Secretary To Government, Tourism Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai - 600 009

3. The District Executive Magistrate / Collector, Karur.

4. The Superintendent of Police, Karur.

5. The Inspector of Police, District Special Branch, Karur

6. The Inspector of Police, Karur Town.

7. The Inspector of Police, Traffic, Karur.

8. The Corporation Commissioner, Karur.

9. The Tourism Officer, Karur.

10. The Assistant Director (Fisheries), Thiruchirappalli.

11.The Divisional Engineer, Constructions and Maintenance Wing, Highways Department, Karur.

12. The Executive Engineer, Water Resources Department, Karur.

13. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruppur.

14. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Karur.

15. The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Karur.

16. The Fit Person, Arulmigu Vanjuleeswarar Temple, Karur Town.

17. The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Vanjuleeswarar Temple, Karur Town.

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to take necessary and time-bound action for the welfare, proper administration, maintenance, security, and development of 17th respondent temple by considering petitioners representation dated 18.02.2026 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.A.Radha Krishnan Party in Person For R1 to R3 and R9 to R16 :Mr.M.Sarangan Additional Government Pleader For R4 to R7 : Mr.K.Gnanasekaran Government Advocate (Crl.Side) For R8 : Mr.K.Balasubramani For R17 : Mr.P.Athimoolapandian

ORDER

The writ petition is filed for the mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to take necessary action and time bound action for the welfare, proper administration, maintenance, security, and development of 17th respondent temple by considering petitioners representation dated 18.02.2026.

2. Upon hearing the party-in-person and perusing the material records of the case, the grievance pertains to the maintenance, upkeep, security, and other issues relating to Arulmigu Vanjuleeswarar Temple, Karur Town.

3. The first allegation is that rice donated for the purpose of the temple which was stored within the temple premises has been stolen.

4. In this regard, the learned counsel appearing for the Executive Officer submits that a complaint has already been lodged before the Inspector of Police, Karur Town Police Station.

5. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side), appearing on behalf of the police authorities submits that the matter will be pursued in accordance with law. If a case has not yet been registered, the police shall register the same and take appropriate action to identify and bring the offenders to book in the manner known to law.

6. The second allegation relates to the Archagar. Though the Archagar is not a party to the writ petition, and any observation made by this Court will not be binding on him or the respondents, certain allegations have been made against him in the writ petition. It is stated that an order of suspension was passed on 11.11.2025. However, despite the said suspension, the Archagar continues to function in the temple and no further proceedings have been initiated.

7. In this regard, the learned counsel appearing for the 16th respondent submits that if the order of suspension is still in force, they will ensure its implementation and that further disciplinary action, if charges are made out, will be taken in accordance with law.

8. As of now, the 16th respondent is undertaking further proceedings. The 16th respondent, being the Fit Person, shall proceed further in accordance with law and the outcome shall be reported to the HR & CE authorities namely the 13th respondent.

9. The third allegation pertains to the safety and upkeep of the temple. The 13th and 14th respondents shall conduct an inspection of the temple premises. If any immediate or temporary cleaning measures are required, the same shall be carried out either from departmental funds or by issuing a public notice inviting volunteers to clean the temple and its precincts. Such steps shall be undertaken at the earliest to ensure that the entire premises, both inside and outside the temple, are properly maintained.

10. In view of the submission that drunkard are also present in the temple premises, the 13th and 14th respondents, with due coordination, shall instruct the 16th and 17th respondents to install CCTV cameras covering the outer precincts of the temple. If feasible, access to the

CCTV system may also be provided to the local police station so that immediate action can be taken against any such unlawful activities.

11. The submission made by the learned counsel for the Executive Officer, that all necessary steps will be taken to preserve the sanctity of the temple, and that the Fit Person, despite limited income, is making sincere efforts to maintain the temple, is recorded. If any reflectors or other road safety measures, including speed-calming measures, are required, the Executive Officer shall communicate the same to the Corporation as well as the Highways authorities, who shall consider and take appropriate action in accordance with law.

12. With these observations and directions, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

25.03.2026 NCC:Yes/No rgm