C.M.Duraipandian v. The State Oftamilnadu
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 24.10.2019
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE T.S.SIVAGNANAM and THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE R.THARANI C.M.Duraipandian ... Petitioner Vs.
1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep., by its Secretary to Government, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
2. The District Collector, Madurai District.
3. The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Madurai City.
4. The Joint Commissioner/Administrative Officer, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Arulmigu Meenakshi Sunderaswarar Temple, Madurai City. ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus to direct the fourth respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 31.07.2019 to display the name board of temple with ancient name as such 'ARULMIGU VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN THIRUKOVIL' situated at Theppakulam, Madurai City.
For Petitioner : Mr.J.Vijayaraja For R-1 & R-2 : Mr.A.K.Baskarapandian, Special Government Pleader For R-3 : Mr.J.Gunaseelan Muthaiah For R-4 : Mr.VR.Shanmuganathan, Special Government Pleader
O R D E R
(Order of the Court was made by T.S.SIVAGNANAM,J.) Heard Mr.J.Vijayaraja, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr.A.K.Baskarapandian, learned Special Government Pleader for R-1 & 1/3
R-2, Mr.J.Gunaseelan Muthaiah, learned counsel for the third respondent and Mr.VR.Shanmuganathan, learned Special Government Pleader for the fourth respondent.
2. The petitioner has filed this writ petition seeking for a direction upon the fourth respondent to consider his representation dated 31.07.2019 to display the name board of temple with ancient name as such 'ARULMIGU VANDIYUR MARIAMMAN THIRUKOVIL' situated at Theppakulam, Madurai City.
3. According to the petitioner, now the authorities have named the temple as 'Teppakulam Mariamman Temple', which is not correct as the Teppakulam, which is situated on the opposite side of the temple was a subsequent addition.
4. In this regard, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that sand was excavated from the area, where the Teppakulam is situated for the purpose of construction of a palace for the King Thirumalai Nayakar and after which, Teppakulam was formed, whereas the temple is an ancient temple and known as 'Vandiyur Mariamman Temple' and very recently, the name board of the temple is displayed as 'Arulmigu Teppakularm Mariamman Thirukovil' and even in the Archanai Tickets, the said name is printed.
5. In order to preserve the heritage of any ancient site or structure, the name originally assigned should be maintained. Otherwise, it will not only affect the heritage tag and also cause confusion regarding identity of the structure. In view of the above, we direct the third respondent to take an informed decision, go through the ancient records and ensure that the temple is given the correct name. The said direction should be complied with, within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of. No Costs.
Sd/- Assistant Registrar (CO) // True Copy // Sub Assistant Registrar(CS ) To
1. The Secretary to Government, State of Tamil Nadu, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Fort St. George, Chennai - 600 009.
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2. The District Collector, Madurai District.
3. The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Madurai City.
4. The Joint Commissioner/Administrative Officer, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Arulmigu Meenakshi Sunderaswarar Temple, Madurai City.
+1 CC to M/s.J.VIJAYARAJA, Advocate ( SR-94453[F] dated 25/10/2019 ) +1 CC to Mr.J.GUNASEELANMUTHIAH, Advocate ( SR-94341[F] dated 24/10/2019 ) 24.10.2019 pm MK (08.11.2019) 3P 7C 3/3