Kaliappan v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 06.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY Kaliappan ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sankarankovil, Tenkasi District.

3. The Tahsildar, Sankarankovil Taluk, Tenkasi District.

4. Madasamy ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to conduct an enquiry on the basis of the representation of the petitioner dated 10.07.2025 by allowing the petitioner and other village person to keep open the Kaliamman temple for worship on all days and to perform the religious function without any hindrance by the fourth respondent herein that may be stipulated by this Court.

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For Petitioner : Mr.C.Rathna Vel Pandian For R-1 to R-3 : Mr.K.S.Selva Ganesan Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to conduct an enquiry on the basis of the representation of the petitioner dated 10.07.2025 by allowing the petitioner and other village person to keep open the Kaliamman temple for worship on all days and to perform the religious function without any hindrance by the fourth respondent herein.

2. The contention of the petition is that every year in the month of Purattasi, a festival will be conducted and on all other days, the temple will be opened for normal worship. Last year, one Gnanasekaran, who was designated as Natamai, was administrating the temple. After the conclusion of the last year's festival, the fourth respondent has taken the keys forcefully and has been stating that he will administer the temple and that the temple will be opened according to his wishes. Aggrieved over such attitude, the present writ petition has been filed seeking a direction the respondents 1 to 3 to conduct an enquiry and open the temple for all 2/4

days.

3. In view of the above, this Court is directing the the Tahsildar / the third respondent to ascertain whether the temple will be opened daily for worship. If so, a Peace Committee Meeting shall be convened and the issue shall be resolved within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. If the dispute between the petitioner and the fourth respondent could not be resolved, the parties are directed to approach the appropriate Civil Court.

4. With the above observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

06.08.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes jbr NOTE: Issue order copy on 11.08.2025 3/4

S.SRIMATHY , J.

jbr To:

1. The District Collector, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sankarankovil, Tenkasi District.

3. The Tahsildar, Sankarankovil Taluk, Tenkasi District.

ORDER MADE IN DATED : 06.08.2025 4/4