U.Dinesh Kumar v. The Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 27.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN and W.M.P.(MD) No.13296 of 2025 U.Dinesh Kumar ... Petitioner /vs./ 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Dindigul.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Dindigul Division, Dindigul.

4.The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Office at Arulmighu Kailasanathar Temple, Kovilpatti, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District.

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5.The Branch Manager, Canara Bank, Natham Branch, Dindigul District.

6.S.Asai Alangaram ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents No.1 to 4 to conclude the enquiry proceedings as per the proceedings in Na.Ka.No.102/2025-1/Aa3 dated 29.05.2025 on the file of the 3rd respondent, with respect to Arulmigu Mandhai Muthalamman Temple, Sirugudi Village, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District, pass appropriate orders for bringing the above temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Department Control, within time frame.

For Petitioner : Mr.A.N.Ramanathan For R1 to R4 : Mr.SS.Madhavan Additional Government Pleader For R5 : Mr.V.Bala Subramanian Standing Counsel

ORDER

This writ petition is disposed of at the time of admission after hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents 1 to 4 and the learned standing counsel for the fifth respondent and 2/6

after dispensing with the notice on the sixth respondent, as there is no proposal to pass any adverse orders at this stage against the sixth respondent. 2.The writ petition has been filed for a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 4 to conclude the enquiry proceedings as per the proceedings in Na.Ka.No.102/2025-1/Aa3 dated 29.05.2025 of the third respondent and pass appropriate orders for bringing the temple, namely, Arulmigu Mandhai Muthalamman Temple, Sirugudi Village, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District, under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department. 3.The case of the petitioner is that already the third respondent/the Assistant Commissioner has given a recommendation on 29.05.2025 in his proceedings bearing Na.Ka.No.102/2025-1/Aa3 to the second respondent/the Joint Commissioner to take action and to bring the temple under the control of HR & CE Department, directing the fourth respondent/the Inspector to file a report.

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4.It is informed by the learned Additional Government Pleader for the official respondents that the fourth respondent has also forwarded a report, dated 26.06.2025 and appropriate steps have been taken pursuant to the aforesaid order dated 26.06.2025.

5.Recording the aforesaid submission of the learned Additional Government Pleader for the official respondents that a report has been generated by the fourth respondent on 26.06.2025, there shall be a positive direction to the first respondent to pass appropriate orders, based on the recommendation of the third respondent, dated 29.05.2025.

6.Needless to state, before passing such orders, the sixth respondent and other persons, who are likely to be impacted by the steps to be taken, shall be heard. This exercise shall be completed within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7.In case, any coercive steps need to be taken restraining the 6th respondent during the interregnum, any interim order, that may be required, may be passed by 4/6

the second respondent/the Joint Commissioner to protect the interest of the temple and its jewels.

8.With the aforesaid directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. Index : Yes / No 27.06.2025 Internet : Yes / No mm To 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Dindigul.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Dindigul Division, Dindigul.

4.The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Office at Arulmighu Kailasanathar Temple, Kovilpatti, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District.

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C.SARAVANAN, J.

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