Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple v. The Sub Collector / Divisional Monitoring Committee

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 07.08.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI W.P(MD)No.20957 of 2025 and W.M.P.(MD)No.16226 of 2025 Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple, Rep. By its Secretary, S.Kumaran S/o.KN.Subramanian, K.Muthupattinam Nagarathar Meenkashi Amman Kovil Trust, Meenakshipuram, Karaikudi.

... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Sub-Collector (Divisonal Monitoring Committee) Devakottai.

2.The Tahsildar, Karaikudi, Sivagangai.

3.The Commissioner, Karaikudi Municipal Corporation, Sivagangai.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to remove the encroachers in Ward 2 Block 38, T.S.No.28A Karaikudi Town and desilt the water body and restore 1/4

its original position based on the petitioners representation dated 08.07.2025 within time stipulated and grant such other and further relief which this Court. For Petitioner :Mr.RM.Arun Swaminathan For Respondents :Mr.A.Kannan Additional Government Pleader for R1 & R2 : Mr.E.P.Venkateshwaran for R3

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2. It is not in dispute that T.S.No.903 / 28A, Karaikudi Town has been classified as water body (Kulam). According to the writ petitioner, the said water body belongs to the temple. The materials enclosed in the typed set of papers indicate that the said Kulam is being converted into a car parking area.

3. We direct all the three respondents herein to ensure that the condition of the said water body is restored and the encroachments are prevented. This shall operate as continuing mandamus. 2/4

4. The writ petition is allowed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

[G.R.S., J.] [B.P., J.] 07.08.2025 NCC : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Index : Yes / No rmi To 1.The Sub-Collector (Divisonal Monitoring Committee) Devakottai.

2.The Tahsildar, Karaikudi, Sivagangai.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J and B.PUGALENDHI, J.

rmi W.P(MD)No.20957 of 2025 07.08.2025 4/4