The Executive Officer, v. T.Thirunavukarasu

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 11.12.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE R.KALAIMATHI and C.M.P.(MD)No.12265 of 2022 The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Vishavanatha Swamy Thirukkovil, I/c, Special Officer, Arulmigu Senthatti Ayanar Thirukovil, Keelanmarainadu Village, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

... Appellant Vs.

1.T.Thirunavukarasu 2.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Virudhunagar Division, Virudhunagar District.

4.S.Rajendran 5.Muthaiah ... Respondents 1/4

Prayer : Writ Appeal filed under Clause XV of Letters Patent, to allow the writ appeal by setting aside the order dated 08.04.2022, passed in W.P.(MD) No.23698 of 2018 on the file of this Court. For Appellant : Mr.P.Mahendran For Respondents : Mr.R.G.Shankar Ganesh for R1 Mr.J.K.Jayaseelan, Government Advocate for R2 & R3.

Mr.S.Madhavan for R4 Mr.M.Thirunavukkarasu for R5

JUDGMENT

(By G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.) Heard both sides.

2.The Executive Officer of Arulmighu Vishavanatha Swamy Temple who has been officiating as Special Officer of the petition mentioned temple namely, Arulmighu Senthatti Ayanar Temple, Keelamarainadu Village, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District has filed this writ appeal questioning the order dated 08.04.2022 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(MD)No.23698 of 2018. 3.We fail to understand as to how an Executive Officer can be said to be a person aggrieved. A writ appeal is filed under Clause 15 of the 2/4

Letters Patent. It specifically states that only a person aggrieved can maintain an appeal. None of the rights of the appellant herein have been infringed. He is only a Special Officer who was appointed pursuant to the direction of this Court. The learned counsel for the appellant would point out that only after the Executive Officer assumed charge as Special Officer, order was brought in the administration of the temple which otherwise was riven by internal and factional disputes. 4.The Special Officer might have filed the writ appeal in public interest and in the interest of temple and devotees. But that itself will not confer locus standi on the appellant herein. We are clearly of the view that the appellant lacks the locus standi to maintain the writ appeal. The writ appeal is dismissed as non maintainable. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

(G.R.S. J.,) & (R.K.M. J.,) 11.12.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

and R.KALAIMATHI, J.

ias To:

1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.

2.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Virudhunagar Division, Virudhunagar District.

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