Pandi v. The Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 15.10.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN 1.Pandi 2.R.Ravi 3.C.Balu 4.P.Balamurugan 5.A.Natarajan 6.Ramar 7.Palreengam ... Petitioners Vs.

1.The Commissioner, No. 119 Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.

2.The Joint commissioner, Dindigul.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, 1/6

Theni District.

4.The Inspector, Usilampatti, Madurai District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent herein to pass suitable orders for appointment of the petitioners as Hereditary Trustees of Arulmighu Nalloothu Karuppannasamy temple situated at Thidiyan, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai on the basis of the proceedings in Na.Ka.No.1845/2024/A dated 02.04.2024 within the time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioners : Mr.B.Jameelarasu For Respondents : Mr.G.Suriya Ananth, Government Advocate.

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.Vide order dated 03.07.1964 in O.A.No.73 of 1961, the then Deputy Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment 2/6

Department had declared that the applicants who are eight in numbers are the hereditary trustees of the petition mentioned temple. The writ petitioners herein are the legal heirs of the deceased trustees. It has already been held that when a hereditary trustee passes away, the next in line of succession has to be brought on record and it is only a ministerial act. The authority concerned has only to be satisfied that the applicant is a legal heir. Once the satisfaction is arrived at on this aspect, then entering name of the applicant is a matter of course. In the case on hand, there is no dispute on fact. The second respondent is directed to enter the name of the writ petitioners as the hereditary trustees of the petition mentioned temple.

3.This writ petition is allowed accordingly. No costs. 15.10.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 3/6

To:

1.The Commissioner, No. 119 Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.

2.The Joint commissioner, Dindigul.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Theni District.

4.The Inspector, Usilampatti, Madurai District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 15.10.2025 (2/2) 6/6