Ravi Jeyasingh M v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 23.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR and THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.JOTHIRAMAN M.Ravi Jeyasingh ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil .

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Tirunelveli.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Vadiveeswaram, Nagercoil,

4. The Executive Officer, HR and CE Department, Kanyakumari District Temples, Suchindrum - 629704.

5. The Tahsildar, Thovalai Taluk Office at Boothapandi, ... 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 take action on the petitioner's representation dated 1/5

16.02.2025 as directed by the 1st Respondent vide proceedings in O.M(AM1)/4359745/2026 dated 14.05.2026 by removing the encroachment made in the land situated in Kanyakumari District, Thovalai Taluk, Boothapandi Village, New Survey No.124/3 measuring an extent of 0.34.0 Hectares (approx.84 Cents) categorically registered under the category of Ravi Vinayagar Kovil Vahai (Iravi Vinayagar Kovil Vagaikku). For Petitioner : Mr.L.P.Maurya For Respondents : Mr.M.S.Parthiban, Counsel for State

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.) The prayer in this writ petition is to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 2 to 4 to take action on the petitioner's representation dated 16.02.2025 as directed by the 1st Respondent vide proceedings in O.M(AM1)/4359745/2026 dated 14.05.2026 by removing the encroachment made in the temple land situated in Kanyakumari District, Thovalai Taluk, Boothapandi Village, New Survey No.124/3 measuring an extent of 0.34.0 Hectares categorically registered under the category of Ravi Vinayagar Kovil Vahai.

2. Learned counsel appearing for the respondents would submit that the authorities will conduct survey in the place in question and if there is any encroachment therein, after hearing both sides, appropriate action will be taken for removal of the same.

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3. In such a view of the matter, let the authorities issue notice to the parties concerned, make survey of the place in question in their presence. If the survey/inspection reveals any encroachment, the authorities shall take steps to remove the same by due process of law after giving opportunity to the parties concerned. Such an exercise shall be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

4. With the above direction, the Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. [N.S.K., J.] & [M.J.R., J.] Index : Yes / No 23.06.2026 : Yes / No bala To

1. The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil .

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Tirunelveli.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Vadiveeswaram, Nagercoil, 3/5

4. The Executive Officer, HR and CE Department, Kanyakumari District Temples, Suchindrum - 629704.

5. The Tahsildar, Thovalai Taluk Office at Boothapandi, 4/5

N.SATHISH KUMAR , J.

AND M.JOTHIRAMAN, J.

bala ORDER MADE IN DATED :

23.06.2026 5/5