Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/1914/2026disposed of

U.Muthu v. The District Collector

2026-04-07Honourable Mrs Justice L.Victoria Gowri4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 07/04/2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI U.Muthu ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.

3. The Tahsildar, Thiruchendur Taluk, Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District.

... Respondents PRAYER :- To Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioner representation dated 13.03.2026 and to pass orders to save the temple Arulmigu Shri Veerasadachi Amman Temple, Kayapattiam, Thoothukudi District from the damage and maladministration within the period stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr. M.Mohamed Sherbudeen, Advocate.

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For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar - for R2 Government Advocate (Crl.Side) : Mr.M.Muthumanikkam - for R1 and R3 Government Advocate (Civil Side)

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed seeking Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the petitioner representation dated 13.03.2026 and to pass orders to save the temple Arulmigu Shri Veerasadachi Amman Temple, Kayapattiam, Thoothukudi District from the damage and maladministration within the period stipulated by this Court.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner had given a complaint / representation dated 13.03.2026 as before the third respondent police against five persons. However, the third respondent has not taken any action on his representation.

3. It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon him to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other, instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non-consideration of the representation by the Statutory Authority would 2/4

amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India and direct them to consider the same within a stipulated time.

4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the third respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 13.03.2026, on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, after giving notice to the petitioner, as well as all other persons, who may be interested in the subject matter, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 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 respondents to consider the same on its own merits.

5. With the above observations and directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of.

07.04.2026 NCC : yes / no Index : yes / no pnn 3/4

L. VICTORIA GOWRI,J pnn To

1. The District Collector, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.

3. The Tahsildar, Thiruchendur Taluk, Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District.

ORDER

IN WP CRL.(MD) No.1914 of 2026 Date : 07/04/2026 4/4