P.A.M. Sundaravel v. The Tahsildar

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENGH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 15.12.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE K.SURENDER W.P.(MD)No.35735 of 2025 P.A.M.Sundaravel ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Tahsildar, Villathikulam Taluk Office, Villathikulam, Thoothukudi District.

2.The Surveyor, Villathikulam Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

3.The Fit Person, Arulmigu Veeriya Perumal Temple, Vembar Village, Villathikulam Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

Executive Officer, Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Villathikulam Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

... Respondents 1/6

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's application dated 26.11.2025 and consequently direct them to survey and demarcate such property in the presence of the third respondent within a time frame fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.I.Suthakaran For Respondents 1 & 2 : Mr.D.Sadiq Raja, Additional Government Pleader For Respondent No.3 : Mr.J.Bharathan

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's application dated 26.11.2025 and consequently direct them to survey and demarcate such property in the presence of the third respondent. 2.With the consent of the parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself. 3.The brief facts of the present case is that Arulmigu Sri Veeriya Perumal Ayyanar Temple has certain temple properties. 2/6

There are 4 Pavalam families who are interested and claim ownership over the said property of the temple. The petitioner who is a member of one of the Pavalakara Vagaiyarah has given a representation dated 26.11.2025 for survey and demarcation of the property in S.No.142/2A1. For the said exercise, the requisite fee was paid.

4.Heard the learned Counsel for the parties.

5.From the arguments it is clear that there are disputes amongst the Pavalam families in respect of the temple property. Any rival claims would only be subjected to a civil court jurisdiction. It is also informed that to conduct the affairs of the temple a scheme was framed nearly 20 years ago. However, the temple is not managed by the said scheme. This Court by its order dated 20.01.2025 in W.P.(MD)No.3004, 477 & 28002 of 2024 filed by one of the claimants of the temple property ordered that the scheme should be given effect to and the Joint Commissioner should appoint a Fit person to the temple. There are several disputes, claims and counter claims as it appears from the cases filed by the persons who are interested in the temple property. However, since a representation has been made by the petitioner 3/6

for survey and demarcation, it is the duty of the official respondents to dispose of the said representation. 6.Accordingly, this Court directs the respondents 1 & 2 to dispose of the said representation of the petitioner dated 26.11.2025, taking into consideration all the aforesaid facts, on merits and in accordance with law, after putting on notice all the rival claimants, within a period of twelve [12] weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7.With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

[K.SURENDER, J.] 15.12.2025 MR Index: Yes/No Internet: Yes/No 4/6

To 1.The Tahsildar, Villathikulam Taluk Office, Villathikulam, Thoothukudi District.

2.The Surveyor, Villathikulam Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

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K.SURENDER, J.

MR W.P.(MD)No.35735 of 2025 15.12.2025 6/6