Anbazhagan v. The Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.10.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI W.P(MD)No.24753 of 2023 and WMP(MD) No.20938 of 2023 Anbazhagan ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Commissioner, The Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowment Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai.

2.The Joint Commissioner,, The Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowment Department, Thanjavur.

3.The Executive Officer,, Arul Migu Punniyakodeeswarar Swamy Temple, Vadaseri, Thanjavur.

4.Ariya. Ka. Krishnamoorthy Thevar 5.Arasa Theva Dr. Sathanandha Thevar 6.Kattachoori.Thu.Meikkappa Thevar 7.Nallatti.Me.Neru Thevar 1/5

8.Pokka.R. Tamilarasan Thevar 9.Senga.Ka.Manikanda Thevar 10.Azhagachi.Ka.Vaiyapuri Thevar 11.Chidambara Naiyaka Arumuga Thevar 12.Ramalinga.Me.Ravichandra Thevar 13.Pokki Ayyanadhan Thevar 14.Chinnakatha.Ma.Punniyakodi Thevar 15.Seerangapaata.Me.Dhanapal Thevar 16.Sevathapodhiya.Po.Arjuna Thevar 17.Pattukottai.Mu.Nagaraja Thevar 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 1 to 3 that strictly ensure that no privilege or first respect or first honour in the name of Muthal Mariyadhai be extended to any person at any point of time during temple festivals or during any rituals conducted at Arul Migu Punniyakodeeswarar Swamy Temple situated at Vadaseri Village, Thanjavur District. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Samuel Gunasingh For R1 & R2 : Mr.P.Subbu Raj Special Government Pleader For R3 : Mr.V.Chandrasekar

O R D E R

The petitioner with a grievance that the third respondent/The Executive Officer, Arul Migu Punniyakodeeswarar 2/5

Swamy Temple, Vadaseri,Thanjavur is intending to extend first honour to the respondents 4 to 17 has filed this writ petition for a Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to ensure that no privilege/first respect/first honour be extended to any person during the festival of Arul Migu Punniyakodeeswarar Swamy Temple situated at Vadaseri Village, Thanjavur District. 2.Mr.V.Chandrasekar, learned counsel for the third respondent submits that there is no such proposal to extend first honour to any one during the above said temple festival and the stand of the Government is that all are equal before the Deity. 3.Recording the submission made on behalf of the third respondent, this writ petition is closed. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

12.10.2023 NCC: Yes/No Index:Yes/No Internet:Yes vrn 3/5

To 1.The Commissioner, The Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowment Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai.

2.The Joint Commissioner,, The Hindu Religious Charitable and Endowment Department, Thanjavur.

3.The Executive Officer,, Arul Migu Punniyakodeeswarar Swamy Temple, Vadaseri, Thanjavur.

4/5

B.PUGALENDHI, J.

vrn Order made in W.P(MD)No.24753 of 2023 and WMP(MD) No.20938 of 2023 12.10.2023 5/5