S.Ramachandran v. The Commissioner
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 08.06.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY S.Ramachandran ... Petitioner Vs.
1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nunbambakkam High Road, Chennai - 600 034.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Madurai.
3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Ellis Nagar, Madurai.
...Respondents
Prayer: Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this court to issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other Writ or Order or Direction in the nature of a writ and direct the 2nd and 3rd respondents to appoint Special Officer under Tamil Nadu Act 22 of 1959 considering the representation of the petitioner dated 19.05.2026 in respect of Arulmigu Kambathadi Karukku Vazhaiyan Sonaiah Temple,
Samiyar Lane, 6-B, Kajimar Street, Madurai and Arulmugu Soniah Temple, 16-A, Glasskara Street, Madurai within a time frame fixed by this Hon'ble Court and pass such further or other orders as this Honble court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice.
For Petitioner : Mr.M.S.Manohar For Respondents : M/s.P.Sudarkodi Nachiyar Government Standing Counsel
ORDER
The present writ petition has been filed for the following relief:- "Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this court to issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other Writ or Order or Direction in the nature of a writ and direct the 2nd and 3rd respondents to appoint Special Officer under Tamil Nadu Act 22 of 1959 considering the representation of the petitioner dated 19.05.2026 in respect of Arulmigu Kambathadi Karukku Vazhaiyan Sonaiah Temple, Samiyar Lane, 6-B, Kajimar Street, Madurai and Arulmugu Soniah Temple, 16-A, Glasskara Street, Madurai within a time frame fixed by this Hon'ble Court and pass such further or other orders as this Honble court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice."
2. Heard Mr.S.Ramachandran, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and M/s.P.Sudarkodi Nachiar, learned Standing Counsel, who takes notice on behalf of the respondents.
3. The grievance of the writ petitioner is that there are two temples situated within the city of Madurai, one at Samiyar Lane, 6-B, Kajimar Street Madurai and another one at No.16-A, Glasskara Street, Madurai which are dilapidated and craving for immediate attention. When there is a dispute with reference to the administration of the Temple, the petitioner prays for appointment of a Fit Person / Special Officer to immediately look into the affairs of the Temple.
4. In view of the limited relief granted, the writ petition is disposed of at the admission stage. It is made clear that this Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the case.
5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the 2nd respondent is directed to take up the representation of the petitioner dated 19.05.2026, issue due notice to the petitioner or any other
interested party and thereafter, pass appropriate orders in accordance with law. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a web copy of this order. No costs. 08.06.2026 rgm
To
1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nunbambakkam High Road, Chennai - 600 034.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Madurai.
3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Ellis Nagar, Madurai.
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.
rgm 08.06.2026