J.Sam Merlin v. The Director General

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :30.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P.(MD) No. 17566 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD)No. 13410 of 2025 J.Sam Merlin ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Director General, Archacological Survery of India, Dharohar Bhavan 24, Tilak Marg, New Delhi 110 001.

2. The Director, Department of Archaeology Tamil Valarchi Valaagam, Thamizh Salai, Egmore, Chennai 600008.

3. The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil.

4. The Block Development Officer, Thuckalay Panchayat Union,

5. The Thasildhar, Agastheeswram Taluk, Kanyakumari District Nagercoil.

6. The Executive Officer, Valvachagostam Town Panchayat Office, Valvachagostam, ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing 1 and 3 respondents herein to survey and protect the Christucoil Church (London Mission Church) Located at Palliyadi, Marudhurkurichi Village, Kalkulam Taluk, Kanyakumari District and declare the same as archaeological monument by considering the petitioner's representations dated 07.05.2025 and 08.05.2025.

For Petitioner :

Mr.R.Murugan For Respondents :

Mr.K.Govindarajan, Deputy Solicitor General of India, for R-1 Mr.M.Lingadurai, Special Government Pleader, for R-2 to R-5

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for Writ of Mandamus directing 1 and 3 respondents to consider the petitioner's representations dated 07.05.2025 and 08.05.2025.

2. This Court, without going into the merits of the case, directing the 2nd respondent to consider the petitioner's representations dated 07.05.2025 and 08.05.2025 and pass appropriate orders within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. If need be, the 2nd respondent can seek report from the 3rd respondent.

3. With these observations, this writ petition is disposed of. No Costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 30.06.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes KSA

To

1. The Director General, Archacological Survery of India, Dharohar Bhavan 24, Tilak Marg, New Delhi 110 001.

2. The Director, Department of Archaeology Tamil Valarchi Valaagam, Thamizh Salai, Egmore, Chennai 600008.

3. The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil.

4. The Block Development Officer, Thuckalay Panchayat Union,

5. The Thasildhar, Agastheeswram Taluk, Kanyakumari District Nagercoil.

6. The Executive Officer, Valvachagostam Town Panchayat Office, Valvachagostam,

S.SRIMATHY, J KSA W.P.(MD) No. 17566 of 2025 30.06.2025