Senthil Kumar v. The Executive Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER Senthil Kumar ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani, Dindigul District.

2.The Public Information Officer, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani, Dindigul District.

... Respondents [R2 is impleaded vide court order dated 13.11.2025 in W.M.P.(MD) No.25228 of 2025] Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to furnish full information requested under the RTI Applications dated 30.08.2024 and 21.08.2025 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court by ensuring transparency and accountability in handling public funds. For Petitioner : Mr.R.M.Arun Swaminathan For Respondents : Mr.R.Murali Standing Counsel Page No. 1 of 5

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to furnish the complete information sought under the RTI applications dated 30.08.2024 and 21.08.2025, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.

2. The grievance of the petitioner is that the petitioner filed an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 on 30.08.2024, seeking information regarding the expenditure and financial accounts of the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani, for the years 2023 and 2024, including details of the Muthamil Murugan Maanadu, which was conducted with a substantial budget in 2023. The respondents, despite their statutory obligation, replied in a lethargic and evasive manner, stating that the information could not be provided due to it being a 'continuous process'. Thereafter, the petitioner filed another application, to which also an evasive reply was given.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the temple, being a public authority, is statutorily bound to furnish the Page No. 2 of 5

information under the Right to Information Act, 2005; that transparency in the administration of public funds by a religious institution is a matter of public interest; and that denial of such information violates the principles of natural justice and transparency.

4. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents would submit that the information sought for the years 2023 and 2024 could not be furnished, as the accounts were still under preparation and had not been finalised. It is stated that the accounts for the year 2024 have now been completed and the Audit Report has been prepared.

5. The learned counsel for the petitioner would now confine the petitioner's request to the furnishing of a copy of the Audit Report.

6. This Court is of the view that the petitioner has been attempting to obtain information regarding the expenditure and financial accounts of the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swami Temple, Palani, for the years 2023 and 2024, including details of the Muthamil Murugan Maanadu. In accordance with the prescribed procedure, the said information, if feasible, shall be provided.

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7. With the above observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

[K.SURENDER, J.] 03.02.2026 JEN Index : Yes / No Page No. 4 of 5

K.SURENDER , J.

JEN 03.02.2026 Page No. 5 of 5