Thirupathi v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 07.04.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH Thirupathi : Petitioner Vs.
1. The District Collector, Tiruchirappalli District, Tiruchirappalli.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruvanaikkovil, Tiruchirappalli - 620 005.
3. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Manapparai.
4. Vinothkumar
5. Vetrimani
6. Lakkappan
7. Palraj : Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1, 2 1/6
and 3 to consider the petitioners representation dated 14.10.2024 and 02.12.2024 given to the respondents 1 and 2 with respect to the performance of worship in the Arulmigu Chinna Mariamman and Arulmigu Periya Mariamman Temple located at Sevalur Village, Manapparai Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District.
For Petitioner : Mr.T.M.Madasamy For Respondents : Mr.K.S.Selvaganesan Addl. Government Pleader for R1 to R3 Mr.A.Thiyagarajan for R4 to R7
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents 1, 2 and 3 to consider the petitioner's representations dated 14.10.2024 and 02.12.2024 given to the respondents 1 and 2, with respect to the performance of worship at the Arulmigu Chinna Mariamman and Arulmigu Periya Mariamman Temple located at Sevalur Village, Manapparai Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
2/6
3.The petitioner asserts that the renovation work was carried out in the petition-mentioned temple during the month of August, 2024 in preparation for the Kumbabishegam. The grievance of the petitioner is that the respondents 4 to 7 ex-communicated him and his family members, preventing them from entering and worshipping inside the temple. It is further alleged that the respondents 4 to 7 refused to accept the petitioner's contribution for the performance of the Kumbabishegam. In this regard, he submitted representations dated 14.10.2024 and 02.12.2024 to the respondents 1 and 2. As no action has been taken, the petitioner has now filed the present writ petition.
4. The learned Additional Government Pleader, appearing on behalf of the respondents 1 to 3, submitted that the petitioner's representations were made to the second respondent. However, the appropriate authority to address the issue is the Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Tiruchirappalli District, who is not a party to this writ petition. The learned Additional Government Pleader further submitted that the petitioner may be permitted to submit a fresh representation to the Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, 3/6
Tiruchirappalli District, detailing the issues raised in this writ petition. Upon receipt of such representation, the Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Tiruchirappalli District, will pass appropriate orders in accordance with the law.
5. In view of the submissions made by both parties, this Court directs the petitioner to submit a fresh representation to the Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Tiruchirappalli District, citing all the grounds raised in this writ petition, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. On receipt of the said representation, the Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Tiruchirappalli District, shall pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, after affording a fair hearing to the petitioner as well as the respondents 4 to 7, within a period of six weeks, thereafter. It is also made clear that this Court has not expressed any of its views with regard to the merits of the matter and that it is open to the Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Tiruchirappalli District, to consider the same on its own merits.
4/6
6. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 07.04.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No PKN To
1. The District Collector, Tiruchirappalli District, Tiruchirappalli.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruvanaikkovil, Tiruchirappalli - 620 005.
3. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Manapparai.
4. The Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Tiruchirappalli District. 5/6
VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.
PKN W.P.(MD) No.9659 of 2025 07.04.2025 6/6