K.S.Mohammed Haneef Shahil v. The State Of Tamil Nadu

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.06.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY K.S.Mohammed Haneef Shahil ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary, Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai.

2.The Secretary and Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu State Hajj Committee, 3rd Floor, Rosy Tower, No.13, Mahathma Gandhi Road, Chennai.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to accept the petitioner's candidature for nomination to the Tamil Nadu State Hajj Committee under the category of Members representing Muslim Voluntary Organisations under Section 18(1)(iv) of the Haj Committee Act, 2002, taking into account the petitioner's decade-long social service record, Hajj facilitation experience, and recognized contribution to public administration and minority welfare in a fair, transparent, and time-bound Page No. 1 of 4

manner, consistent with the objects and scheme of the Haj Committee Act, 2002, based on the petitioner's representation dated 15.05.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Sankar For R1 : Mr.S.Vashik Ali Standing Counsel

ORDER

The Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to accept the petitioner's candidature by way of nomination to the Tamil Nadu State Haj Committee under the category of Members representing Muslim Voluntary Organizations under Section 18(1)(iv) of the Haj Committee Act, 2002.

2. When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the first respondent submitted that the petitioner cannot claim nomination as a matter of right and that it is for the Government to consider the candidature and make the nomination at its discretion in accordance with law.

3. In view of the above submission, this Court is not inclined to issue a positive direction as sought for by the petitioner. However, it is made clear that whenever the Government undertakes the exercise of Page No. 2 of 4

nomination to the Tamil Nadu State Haj Committee, the petitioner's application shall also be taken into consideration along with other eligible applications, and appropriate orders shall be passed in accordance with law.

4. With the above observation, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

18.06.2026 NCC : No smn2 To 1.The Secretary, Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai.

2.The Secretary and Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu State Hajj Committee, 3rd Floor, Rosy Tower, No.13, Mahathma Gandhi Road, Chennai.

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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

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