Arulmigu Sanjeevirayar Thirukoil v. The Commissioner
1 W.P.(MD)NO.29421 OF 2025 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.10.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN W.P.(MD)No.29421 of 2025 AND W.M.P.(MD)Nos.22729 & 22730 of 2025 Arulmigu Sanjeevirayar Thirukoil, Rep. by its Hereditary Trustee, S.Rengaraj, S/o.Sanjeevi Naidu, Pidampatti, Mathur Post, Kulathur Taluk, Pudukottai District - 622 515.
... Petitioner Vs.
1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur.
... Respondents Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Certiorari, calling for the records relating to the impugned circular Na.No.50838/2008/The4, dated 27.03.2012 issued by the first respondent and quash the same. For Petitioner : Mr.V.R.Shanmuganathan For Respondents : Mr.P.Subbaraj, Special Government Pleader.
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O R D E R
Heard both sides.
2. The Commissioner, HR&CE Department had issued the impugned circular dated 27.03.2012 designating the Hereditary trustees as Public Information Officers under the RTI Act. The writ petitioner herein challenges the said circular on the grounds mentioned in the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition.
3. The learned counsel draws my attention to the order dated 28.01.2025 made in W.P.(MD)No.552 of 2024 etc. batch in which the said circular has been held to be invalid. The consequential directions were also set aside.
4. Respectfully I adopt the very same approach. I am of the view that when the impugned circular had already been found to be invalid by the learned single Judge, there is no need for filing any fresh writ petition for the very same relief. The learned counsel submits that the authorities are insisting that the trustees of each temple must obtain similar declaration.
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5. Such stand taken by the authorities is most unfortunate. Holding that the declaration made in W.P.(MD)No.552 of 2024 etc. batch is more than sufficient, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 17.10.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No PMU Note : Registry is directed to not to entertain any further writ petition on the same cause of action. To:
1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur.
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4 W.P.(MD)NO.29421 OF 2025 G.R.SWAMINATHAN,J.
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