The Dharmapuram Adheenam v. B.Priyanka Pankajam Ias

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 16.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY CONT P(MD)No.3520 of 2025 in WP(MD)No.7403 of 2024 The Dharmapuram Adheenam, Represented by its Adheena Karthar, Sri-La-Sri Masilamani Desigha Gnanasambanda Paramachariar, Sri Kumbahareswarar Swami Devasthanam, Tirubhuvanam, Thanjavur District. ... Petitioner - Vs. -

1. B.Priyanka Pankajam IAS, The District Collector, Tanjore District, Tanjore.

2. Hridya S.Vijayan The Revenue Divisional Officer, Kumbakonam, Tanjore District.

3. Saanthameena, The Tahsildar, Thiruvidaimarudhur Taluk, Tanjore District. ... Respondents Prayer : Contempt Petition filed under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 to punish the Contemnors/Respondents 1 to 3 herein for the 1/6

deliberate and willful disobedience in implementation of the order made in WP(MD)No.7403 of 2024 dated 23.06.2025.

For Petitioner : M.Mahaboob Athiff Advocate.

For Respondent : Mr.M.Ajmal Khan, Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr.M.Muthumanikkam, Government Advocate(Crl. side)

ORDER

Today this contempt petition is listed under the caption 'for being mentioned' at the instance of the learned counsel for the petitioner.

2. The present contempt petition filed against the order alleging the disobedience of the order of this Court dated 23.06.2025. This Court directed the respondent to issue patta in the name of Adheenam basing the petitioner's claim on the judgement and decree in O.S.No.66 of 2004.But the respondent submitted that the said suit was not filed against the Government but against the local authority. Even 2/6

if it is so, this Court is of the considered opinion that the land does not belong to the Government which is evident from the classification of the land even as per the Collector's order dated 22.01.2026 wherein it is stated that the land is classified as "Natham Kali Idam". Therefore it is not poramboke land and the Government cannot claim such land. Moreover, the respondent cannot claim the land since the Adheenam or temple is the owner of the property. Therefore the condition issued by the District Collector, that the petitioner Adheenam cannot put up any construction, is totally against the order passed by this Court.

3. The petitioner is at liberty to put up any construction. However as far as the sell of the said land, the petitioner cannot sale the land without getting any order passed by the Court since trust is not entitled to sell the property at all. As far as the mortgage or lease is concerned, the petitioner is entitled to do the same by protecting the rights of the Adheenam. The petitioner is further directed to 3/6

maintain the channel or water body as it is. Accordingly, the condition imposed by the District Collector is modified as stated supra.

4. The respondent already issued patta. However, the condition alone is set aside. The respondents have already filed an appeal and the same is recorded.

5. Accordingly, with the above modification, the order is clarified.

6. Registry is directed to issue fresh order copy by incorporating this order.

16.02.2026 PJL TO

1. B.Priyanka Pankajam IAS, The District Collector, Tanjore District, Tanjore.

2. Hridya S.Vijayan The Revenue Divisional Officer, 4/6

Kumbakonam, Tanjore District.

3. Saanthameena, The Tahsildar, Thiruvidaimarudhur Taluk, Tanjore District.

5/6

S.SRIMATHY,J PJL

ORDER

IN CONT P(MD) No.3520 of 2025 Date : 16.02.2026 6/6