Pandaram .K v. The Tahsildar

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.06.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P.(MD)No.11227 of 2024 K.Pandaram ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Tahsildar, Kayathar Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

2.M.Karthikeyan ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st respondent to open the lock which was illegally put up by the 2nd respondent in Shri Karuppasamy Temple and Shri Kaliamman Temple at Ottudanpatti in Thoothukudi District.

For Petitioner : Mr.V.Malaiyendran For Respondents : Mr.D.Sasikumar Additional Government Pleader for R1 : Mr.M.Jerin Mathew for R2 1/4

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

2. The first respondent may not have any role in the matter. There is a dispute between the petitioner on one side and the second respondent on the other. The second respondent had locked the temple. The second respondent has no right to lock the temple. I wanted to know if there are any valuable jewelry inside the premises. Answer is in the negative. Therefore, there is no need to lock the temple. The second respondent is directed to unlock the temple. The petitioner's counsel would assert that the petitioner was duly elected by the villagers. This assertion is contested by the learned counsel appearing for the second respondent. Who should be in the management of the temple is a matter to be decided elsewhere. The only direction that is given in this writ petition is that the second respondent shall not lock the petition mentioned temple.

3. The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

26.06.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi NOTE:Issue Order Copy on 03.07.2024 2/4

To The Tahsildar, Kayathar Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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