R.Kanagavel Pandian v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 23.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN W.P.(MD)No.24358 of 2025 & W.M.P.(MD)No.19117 of 2025 R.Kanagavel Pandian ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Madurai.

2. The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Madurai.

3. The Divisional Engineer, Public Works Department, Road Extension, Tallakulam, Madurai.

... Respondents PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents not to remove Thiru Kavimani Desiya Vinayagam Pillai Statue situated at Tallakulam, Madurai or in alternative to replace the same in any nearby place at Tallakulam Madurai within the time period stipulated by this Court.

1/5

For Petitioner : Mr.T.Aswin Raja Simman For Respondents : Mr.P.Thilak Kumar (R1 & R3) Government Pleader Mr.K.K.Kannan (R2) Standing Counsel

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by DR.ANITA SUMANTH, J.) Read this in continuation and in conjunction with order dated 08.09.2025. "Mr.P.Thilakkumar, learned Government Pleader accepts notice for R1 and R3 and Mr.K.K.Kannan, learned Standing Counsel accepts notice for R2.

2. Written instructions dated 06.08.2025 are circulated to the effect that the statue of Thiru Kavimani Desiya Vinayagam Pillai presently at Tallakulam, Madurai is proposed to be shifted to the premises of the Government Corporation swimming pool.

3. The petitioner is assuaged by this undertaking, except that he wishes to ensure that the proposed move takes place smoothly and within a fixed time frame.

4. The learned Government Pleader will hence file an affidavit executed by R1 setting out the timeline, within which the statue 2/5

would be relocated and in the meantime ensure that the same is not disturbed, till such time proper arrangements are made in the proposed location.

5. List on 23.09.2025."

2. Mr.Thilakkumar, learned Government Pleader for R1 and R3 brings to our attention the Government Order in G.O.(Ms)No.629, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, dated 16.09.2025, whereunder, the Government has designated the Revenue Department as a Model Department to deal with installation of new Statues and to set out a procedure for installation of the same.

3. The Division Level Sub Committee and District Level Committee have been constituted and in the Annexure to the Government Order Standard Operating Procedures for installation of Statues and erection of Flagpoles in private lands and putting up of Temporary Flagpoles on Special Occasions have been set out.

4. Hence, the prayer seeking a mandamus to direct the respondents not to remove Thiru Kavimani Desiya Vinayagam Pillai Statue situated at Tallakulam, Madurai or in the alternative, to replace the Statue in any nearby place is 3/5

answered by directing the respondents to do the needful in terms of G.O.(Ms)No. 629, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, dated 16.09.2025 and the Annexure thereto.

5. This Writ Petition is closed in light of this order. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. [A.S.M.J.,] & [C.K.J.,] 23.09.2025 Index :Yes/No Internet :Yes mbi To

1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Madurai.

2. The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Madurai.

3. The Divisional Engineer, Public Works Department, Road Extension, Tallakulam, Madurai.

4/5

DR.ANITA SUMANTH, J.

AND C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

mbi 23.09.2025 5/5