K.Nallathambi v. The Joint Commissioner

ORDER The writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the first respondent to dispose of the petitioner's application in O.A.No.7 of 2024 under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, within the time stipulated by this Court.

¶2Upon perusal of the application, the petitioner is praying to recognise himself as a hereditary trustee.

¶3When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondents submitted that the Tirupani and other administration of the temple are going on. This Court is not commenting upon the same insofar as the disposal of O.A. No. 7 of 2024 is concerned. The learned Additional Government Pleader further submitted that the petitioner is claiming on a caste basis.

¶4I have considered the submissions made by the learned Additional Government Pleader. Page3 of 5

¶5It is for the first respondent to dispose of the petitioner's application under Section 63(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959 in the manner known to law. If the claim of the petitioner cannot be sustained, then appropriate orders have to be passed. In any event, as the O.A. has been filed and is pending, the first respondent shall dispose of the same in the manner known to law.

¶6In view thereof, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent to take up O.A. No. 7 of 2024 for enquiry in the manner known to law and dispose of the same as expeditiously as possible, in any event not later than four months from the date of receipt of the web copy of this order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order. It is needless to mention that it will be open for the temple authorities to place before the first respondent the judgments of this Court relating to the fact that caste is not a religious denomination. No costs. 04-02-2026 NSL Page4 of 5 To

¶1The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable & Endowment (HR & CE), Kariaperumal Karadu Road, Salem – 636 001. Salem District.

¶2The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable & Endowment (HR & CE), Kariaperumal Karadu Road, Salem – 636 001. Salem District.

¶3The Fit Person / Executive Officer, Arulmigu Annammar Swamy Temple Kottavarudhampatti Village, at O/o. Arulmigu Someswarer and Chennakesava Perumal Temple, Sangagiri 636 601, Sangagiri Taluk, Salem District. WPoNo.o3692oofo2026 D.BHARATHAoCHAKRAVARTHY,oJ. NSL WPoNo.o3692oofo2026 04-02-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 04-02-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY W.P.No. 3692 of 2026 K.Nallathambi Chairman, Temple Committee, Arulmigu Annammar Temple Trust, Kottavarudhampatti Village, Sangagiri Taluk, Salem District. ..Petitioner Vs 1. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable & Endowment (HR & CE), Kariaperumal Karadu Road, Salem – 636 001. Salem District. 2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable & Endowment (HR & CE), Kariaperumal Karadu Road, Salem – 636 001. Salem District. 3. The Fit Person / Executive Officer, Arulmigu Annammar Swamy Temple Kottavarudhampatti Village, at O/o. Arulmigu Someswarer and Chennakesava Perumal Temple, Sangagiri 636 601, Sangagiri Taluk, Salem District. ..Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the first Respondent to dispose of the petitioner's application in O.A.No.07 of 2024 under Section 63(b) of the Hindu Page2 of 5 Religious and Charitable Endowment Act within a time frame to be stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner: Mr.M.R.Jothimanian For Respondents: Mr.K.Karthikeyan, Government Advocate