Annadurai v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 06.11.2023 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH Annadurai ... Petitioner -vs1.The District Collector, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

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

3.The Tashildar, Peravoorani Taluk, Thanjavur District.

4.Rt. Rev. Chandrasekaran, The Bishop, CSI Trichy Tanjore Diocese, Diocesan Office, Vayaloor Road, Puthur, Trichy-17.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to initiate appropriate action against the fourth respondent under Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 based on petitioner's representation dated 02.08.2021. 1/4

For Petitioner :

Mr.T.A.Ebenezer For R1 to R3 :

Mr.A.K.Manikkam Special Government Pleader For R4 :

Mr.S.Ramsundar Vijayraj

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the official respondents to initiate action against the fourth respondent based on the representation made by the petitioner on 02.08.2021.

2. The grievance of the petitioner seems to be that the fourth respondent had appointed a Woman Priest in the Church and thereby, had violated the tenets of Anglican Church. According to the petitioner, the same is in violation of the Places of Worship [Special Provisions] Act, 1991. Since the representation made by the petitioner did not evoke any response, the present Writ Petition has been filed before this Court.

3. Heard Mr.T.A.Ebenezer, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner, Mr.A.K.Manikkam, learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents 1 to 3 and Mr.S.Ramsundar Vijayraj, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the fourth respondent. 2/4

4. In the considered view of this Court, this is a case where there is a private dispute between the petitioner and the fourth respondent. The appointment of a woman Priest by the fourth respondent can never become a subject matter in the Writ Petition. If according to the petitioner, the appointment of a woman Priest is in violation of the tenets of Anglican Church, the petitioner has to necessarily work out his remedy only before the competent Court by establishing the rules and practice followed by the concerned Church. The relief sought for by the petitioner cannot be granted by this Court. Accordingly, this Writ Petition stands dismissed. No costs. NCC : Yes/No 06.11.2023 Index : Yes/No smn2 To 1.The District Collector, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

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

3.The Tashildar, Peravoorani Taluk, Thanjavur District.

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N.ANAND VENKATESH, J.

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