Arulmighu Kaliamman Temple, v. The Joint Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 11.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P(MD)No.11809 of 2026 Arulmighu Kaliamman Temple, Oonjampatti, Theni District, Represented through its, hereditary trustees.

1. Thangaraj, S/o.Thirumalai Samy, 377, Renganathan Kovil Street, T.Renganathapuram, Dewaram, Uthamapalayam Taluk, Theni District

2. T.Murugesan ... Petitioners Vs.

1. The Joint Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Theni.

3. The State Level Expert Committee, represented through, Additional Commissioner (Thirupani) Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

4. The Regional Level Expert Committee, represented through, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 2 to 4 to accord sanction/permission for reconstruction/renovation of the demolished portion of Arulmigu Kaliamman Temple, Oonjampatti Village, Theni District on the basis of petitioner representation dated 21/5/2026 in the capacity as a donor being the legal heir of the founder Surulyandi Naidu reserving on the petitioner rights subject to the adjudication in O.A.No. on the file of the 1st respondent under Sec.63(b) of Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments Act 22/1959 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.G.Shankar Ganesh For Respondents :Mr.P.Rajagopalan 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 directing the respondents 2 to 4 to accord sanction/permission for reconstruction/renovation of the demolished portion of Arulmigu Kaliamman Temple, Oonjampatti Village, Theni District on the basis of petitioner representation dated 21/5/2026 in the capacity as a donor being the legal heir of the founder Surulyandi Naidu reserving on the petitioner rights subject to the adjudication in O.A.No. on the file of the 1st respondent under Sec.63(b) of Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments Act 22/1959 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."

2. Heard Mr.R.G.Shankar Ganesh, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr.P.Rajagopalan, learned Government Standing Counsel, who takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners would submit that, with regard to the trusteeship, the petitioners' application under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, is pending consideration.

4. The petitioners are willing to act as donors and seek permission to undertake the reconstruction and renovation works. It is submitted that the petitioners are willing to bear the entire cost of the renovation and reconstruction, including the reconstruction of the portions that have already been demolished.

5. I have also heard the learned Government Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents.

6. Since the petitioners are willing to act as donors and seek permission on that basis, their request can be considered by the respondents. It is further submitted that, in view of the rival claims, while considering the petitioners' request, notice shall be issued to all the rival claimants, and after affording an opportunity of hearing to all concerned, appropriate orders may be passed in accordance with law.

7. In view thereof, this writ petition is disposed of on the following terms:- i. The 2nd respondent is directed to take up the petitioner's representation dated 21.05.2026 for enquiry, issue notice of hearing to the petitioners and to any other person interested in the temple and thereafter, decide the issue in accordance with law and pass appropriate orders thereon.

ii. The aforesaid excise shall be completed within a period of two months from the date of receipt of the a copy of the order. iii. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

11.06.2026 rgm

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

rgm To

1. The Joint Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Theni.

3. The State Level Expert Committee, represented through, Additional Commissioner (Thirupani) Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

4. The Regional Level Expert Committee, represented through, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, and W.M.P(MD)No.11809 of 2026 11.06.2026