Rev. R. Raja Stalin v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.12.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P(MD)No.23869 of 2024 Rev.R.Raja Stalin

...Petitioner

Vs.

1.The District Collector, O/o.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Melur, Madurai District.

3.The CSI Madurai - Ramnad Diocese, Rep. by its Bishop, East Veli Street, Madurai.

4.Jeya Christy (4th respondent is impleaded as per the order of this Court dated 17.12.2024)

...Respondents

Prayer:

Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Certiorari, to call for the records relating to the order passed by the second respondent in his proceedings in Na.Ka.No.6988/2024/C dated 12.11.2024 and quash the same as illegal.

1/5

For Petitioner : Mr.H.Jasima Yasmin for M/s.Ajmal Associates For R1 & R2 : Mr.D.Gandhi Raj Special Government Pleader For R3 : No appearance For R4 : Mr.R.Karunanidhi

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed challenging the order passed by the second respondent, dated 12.11.2024 thereby, directed to appoint new Presbyter of the CSI East Gate Pastorate Church, Madurai.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials placed before this Court.

3. It is seen that there is an internal dispute between the petitioner and the rival groups. Due to which, there is a law and order issue and a criminal cases were registered as against the persons, who committed illegality. Therefore, the second respondent has no role to play the dispute between the petitioner and the rival groups.

4. One of the member of the third respondent's church filed the impleading petition and submitted that though the second respondent has no role to play in the internal dispute between the members of the third respondent 2/5

church. There is a law and order issue and as such, two FIRs have been registered on the file of the Inspector of Police Vilakkuthoon Police Station, Madurai. Therefore, the second respondent has rightly appointed the new Presbyter for the CSI East Gate Pastorate Church, Madurai.

5. The learned counsel appearing for the fourth respondent would submit that insofar as the dispute between the petitioner and the rival groups is concerned now One Man Committee has been appointed to look into the issue between the petitioner and the rival groups. The grievance can be taken a call within a short period. The third respondent is directed to take call on the issue between the petitioner and the rival groups on the basis of the report to be submitted by the One Man Committee in accordance with law.

6. In view of the above, the impugned order passed by the second respondent cannot be sustained and it is liable to be quashed.

7. At the same time, if any law and order issue created by the petitioner and the rival groups, the concerned jurisdictional police is directed to take appropriate action as against the persons, who committed law and order issue.

3/5

8. Accordingly, the writ petition is allowed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

Internet : Yes Index : Yes/No 17.12.2024 Speaking/Non Speaking order am To 1.The District Collector, O/o.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Melur, Madurai District.

4/5

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

am 17.12.2024 5/5