T.Panchapakesa Gurukkal v. The Joint Commissioner
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 12.06.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY T.Panchapakesa Gurukkal ... Petitioner(s) - Vs. - 1.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruppur.
2. The Takkar/fit Person, Arulmiguvanjuleeswarar Temple, Karur Town.
3.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Vanjuleeswarar Temple, Karur Town.
4.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Kalyanapasubatheeswaraswamy Temple, Karur Town.
... Respondent(s) Prayer : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records of the impugned order passed by the 4th Respondent in his proceedings Nil dated 30.04.2026 and quash the same as illegal, arbitrary, violative of principles of natural justice and consequently direct
the 4th respondent to permit petitioner to continue in service in the 4th respondent`s temple and pass such further or other orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case and thus render justice.
For Petitioner :Mr.R.M.Sivakumar For R1 :Mr.R.Parthiban Government Standing Counsel For R2 to R4 :Mr.P.Athimoola Pandian Standing Counsel
ORDER
This writ petition challenges the impugned order dated 30.04.2026. By the said order, the petitioner being the Gurukkal of Arulmigu Kalyanapasubatheeswaraswamy Temple, is suspended from the said services.
2.The counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is the Gurukkall for two temples including Arulmigu Vanjuleeswarar Temple. With reference to the said temple, already proceedings are initiated and the petitioner is facing the proceedings. While so now the impugned order of suspension is
issued without affording any opportunity whatsoever. The same is neither necessary nor passed by complying with the principles of natural justice. Therefore, the petitioner is before this Court .
3.Per Contra, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the temple would submit that it is true that the petitioner is Gurukkal for two temples. While so with reference to Arulmigu Vanjuleeswarar Temple, there are charges against the petitioner which include taking away of the rice belonging to the temple. The said charge memorandum was already issued on 19.11.2025 and the proceedings are going on. When the disciplinary proceedings are going on with reference to grave charges, it was decided that it is not desirable to permit the petitioner to continue to be the Gurukkal with reference to the 4th
respondent temple also. In view thereof, the order of suspension is issued.
4.I have considered the rival submissions made on either side and perused the material records of the case. 5.It is only a suspension order and therefore there is no question of issuance of show cause notice to the petitioner. When the charge memo has been issued against the petitioner taking away of the rice bags of the temple, when the disciplinary proceedings are ongoing, it cannot be said that the suspension order issued against the petitioner is totally unwarranted or without jurisdiction.
6.In view thereof, the prayer of the writ petitioner cannot be countenanced. However, the aforesaid exercise of finalizing
the disciplinary proceedings shall be completed as early as possible not later than three months from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order. This writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. In the meanwhile, subsistence allowance if any payable, and if the petitioner is entitled to shall be paid to him. 12.06.2026 NCC:Yes/No Ns To 1.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruppur.
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
Ns 12.06.2026