P.Paranthaman v. The Commissioner
2026:MHC:1773 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 20.05.2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.10634 and 10635 of 2026 P.Paranthaman ... Petitioner vs.
1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.
2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Ellis Nagar, Madurai 625 001.
3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Madurai.
4.Susila Rani, Fit Person/Thakkar, Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, Virattipathu, Madurai West Taluk, Madurai District.
... Respondents 1/6
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the Respondents 2 and 4 to immediately hand over the keys, administrative charges, records, account books, and full management of Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, Virattipathu, Madurai West Taluk, Madurai District, to the Petitioner in light of his recognition as Hereditary Trustee via the 2nd Respondents proceedings in Na.Ka. No. 9373/2022/A1 dated 15.05.2026.
For Petitioner :Mr.V.Nagendran For R1 to R3 :Mr.D.Gandhiraj Special Government Pleader For R4 :Mr.S.Manohar *****
O R D E R
The prayer in the Writ Petition is for a Mandamus to direct the Respondents 2 and 4 to immediately hand over the keys, administrative charges, records, account books, and full management of Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, Virattipathu, Madurai West Taluk, Madurai District, to the petitioner.
2.The learned Counsel for the petitioner would submit that once the petitioner is recognized as a Hereditary Trustee, by proceedings, dated 15.05.2026, the keys are not handed over and the Fit Person is still 2/6
printing the invitation for the present year temple festival also. 3.When the matter came up for admission, the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to 3, by relying on a written instruction, dated 20.05.2026, would submit that the Fit Person will be handing over the charges and keys, as early as possible even by tomorrow or day after tomorrow, since the petitioner is recognized as the Hereditary Trustee, as per Section 54(1) of the HR & CE Act. He would further submit that with reference to the ensuing Vaigasi festival, receipts will have to be given only through the Integrated Temple Management System (ITMS).
4.The learned Counsel for the petitioner would submit that as a Trustee, the petitioner will give such receipts. 5.On behalf of the respondents, it is stated that they have to nominate Special Officers and employees for the purpose of supervising the same.
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6.They learned Counsel for the petitioner would submit that the same would amount to interference in the management of the temple. 7.It is made clear that without interfering in the management of the temple, if any supervision is necessary to the minimal extent, any supervisory authority can be nominated.
8.With the above directions and recording that all the keys including the key of hundial etc., will be handed over to the petitioner, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.
NCC :Yes / No 20.05.2026 cmr 4/6
To 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.
2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Ellis Nagar, Madurai 625 001.
3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Madurai.
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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
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