Mathialagan v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 10.06.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY Mathialagan ... Petitioner vs.
1. The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappali District.
2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli District.
3. The Tahsildar, Murungapuri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District.
4. The Village Administrative officer, Thathanur Village, Murungapuri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District.
5. The Inspector of Police, Thuvarankuruchi, Tiruchirappalli District.
6. Mahadevan
7. Anbu Konanr
...Respondents
PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India 1/5
praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, direct the respondents to hand over the keys of Arulmighu Muthumarai Amman Temple situated at Thathanur Village, Murungapuri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District to petitioner for conducting Chithirai festival by considering his representation dated 21.04.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Manojkumar For R1 to R4 : Mr.R.Ragavendran Government Advocate For R5 : M/s.M.Aasha Government Advocate (Criminal Side) For R6 and R7 : Mr.A.Manikandan *****
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, direct the respondents to hand over the keys of Arulmighu Muthumarai Amman Temple situated at Thathanur Village, Murungapuri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District to petitioner for conducting Chithirai festival by considering his representation dated 21.04.2025. 2.The temple is situated in the village in Thathanur Village, Murungapuri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District. Already there is a civil suit filed in O.S.No. 187 of 2013 on the file of the District Municipal Court, Manapparai, which has ended in favor of the petitioner. However, still there is a dispute between the parties regarding who would possess the temple keys. 2/5
3.It is seen that as per the peace committee meeting, there is an order that the keys should be handed over to the revenue officials. There is no finding or any direction in the suit that it should be in the possession of the petitioner or the objectors. The present year festival is concluded on 29.05.2025, but still the keys are with the petitioner.
4.Therefore, the petitioner is directed to hand over the keys to the revenue officials forthwith. If the petitioner is inclined to establish his right for possession of keys, he is permitted to file an interlocutory application in the suit. If such an application is filed, the concerned Civil Court shall determine the rights and thereafter, pass an order. Since it is a recurring problem, the parties ought to resolve in the Civil Court. Therefore, the petitioner is strictly directed to approach the appropriate Civil Court for establishing his right. 5.With the above observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
10.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes Tmg 3/5
To:
1. The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruchirappali District.
2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli District.
3. The Tahsildar, Murungapuri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District.
4. The Village Administrative officer, Thathanur Village, Murungapuri Taluk, Tiruchirappalli District.
5. The Inspector of Police, Thuvarankuruchi, Tiruchirappalli District.
4/5
S.SRIMATHY , J.
Tmg ORDER MADE IN DATED : 10.06.2025 5/5