Pastor Paul. Murugaesh v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 19.06.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN Pastor Paul.Murugaesh ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Madurai.

2.The Block Development Officer, Madurai North Block, Madurai.

3.The Assistant Director of Town Panchayats, Madurai Zone, Madurai 4.The Executive Officer, Paravai Town Panchayat, Paravai, Madurai.

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's request and to grant a small extent of 15 cents of the property in Survey No.88 of Sathyamoorthy Nagar, Paravai Town Panchayat, Madurai District so as to utilize the same as a grave yard for the members of our church based on the request made by the petitioner on 22.11.2023. 1/5

For Petitioner : Mr.S.C.Herold Singh For R1 to R3 : Mr.K.R.Badurus Zaman Government Advocate For R4 : Mr.A.Baskaran Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed for a Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant a small extent of 15 cents of the property in Survey No. 88 of Sathyamoorthy Nagar, Paravai Town Panchayat, Madurai District so as to utilize the same as a grave yard for the members of our church based on the request made by the petitioner on 22.11.2023.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that he is a Pastor, who is doing the various social works for poor and downtrodden, who residing in the vicnity. It is the grievance of the petitioner that there is no specific place for burying the dead bodies of the members of the congregation. Therefore, a request was made for allocation of 15 cents of land for the burial of the person belonging to the congregation, of which the petitioner is a Pastor for the last 40 years.

3. The learned counsel for the official respondents submits that the fourth respondent, Executive Officer, Paravai Town Panchayat, Madurai had 2/5

earlier passed an resolution No.321 dated 29.10.1999, wherein, they were permitted the members of nka;ahd xsp Njtrig to use the Government Poramboke land in S.No.88 measuring an extent of 15 cents. Based on this resolution, the petitioner approached the authorities to assign the lands in favour of the Church so that the said property can be used as a burial ground. The representation of the petitioner, dated 22.11.2023 warrants the attention of the first respondent.

4. Therefore, the first respondent is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner, dated 22.11.2023 and pass appropriate orders after getting necessary input from the revenue authorities of the District. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. The writ petition stands disposed of with the above direction. No costs.

19.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No sn 3/5

To 1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Madurai.

2.The Block Development Officer, Madurai North Block, Madurai.

3.The Assistant Director of Town Panchayats, Madurai Zone, Madurai 4.The Executive Officer, Paravai Town Panchayat, Paravai, Madurai.

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C.SARAVANAN, J.

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