Thottayan v. The Commissioner

Order By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal. This Writ Petition is filed for a Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 4 to grant permission for conducting the Ugathi festival and the Giri-Ther Festival from

26.03.2026 to 01.04.2026 in honour of the principal diety Sri Bantheshwarar in Arulmigu Bandheswarar Tirukovil.

¶2The case of the petitioner is that he is serving as a non-hereditary trustee of the aforesaid temple since 2005. For the past 6 years, the annual festivals could not be celebrated due to temple renovations and following the successful completion of Kumbabhishekam on 06.06.2025, the villagers and devotees, who revere Sri Bantheshwarar as their family diety, unanimously decided to resume traditional festivals. In this regard, the petitioner and the villagers submitted Page3 of 5 representations to the respondents on 27.02.2026 and 11.03.2026 seeking requisite permission and since no action was taken on the petitioner's representation, he has come forward with this writ petition.

¶3Today, when the matter is taken up for consideration, the learned Additional Government Pleader (HR and CE) appearing for respondents has produced a written instructions dated 17.03.2026 received from the Executive Officer (Addl. I/c), Arulmighu Bandheswarar Thirukovil, Andhiyur Taluk informing that the Ugathi and Giri-Ther Festivals will be conducted as per the customs and rites already prevalent and no special permission or preference will be accorded to any individual or association.

¶4Recording the above, this Writ Petition stands closed. No costs.

18-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SSB Page4 of 5 To

¶1The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

¶2The Joint Commissioner Joint Commissioner Office, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Trust Hospital Building, (Near), Erode District-638 001.

¶3The Assistant Commissioner Assistant Commissioner office, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Ex.Jawans Bhavan Building, Erode District - 638 001.

¶4The Fit Person, Arulmigu Bantheshwarar Temple,Devar Malai, Bargur Village, Anthiyur, Erode

¶5The Inspector of Police Anthiyur Police station, Anthiyur, Erode Page5 of 5 M.DHANDAPANI J. SSB 18-03-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 18-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Thottayan S/o Pasuvathampadi, Devar Malai, Thamarakarai, Bargur Village, Amnthiyur Taluk, Erode 638501 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai. 2. The Joint Commissioner Joint Commissioner Office, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Trust Hospital Building, (Near), Erode District- 638 001. 3. The Assistant Commissioner Assistant Commissioner office, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Ex.Jawans Bhavan Building, Erode District - 638 001. 4. The Fit Person, Arulmigu Bantheshwarar Temple,Devar Malai, Bargur Village, Anthiyur, Erode 5. The Inspector of Police Anthiyur Police station, Anthiyur, Erode Page2 of 5 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 4 to grant the permission for conducting the Ugathi festival and the Giri-ther Festival from 26.03.2026 to 01.04.2026 in honour of the principal deity Sri Bantheshwarar in Arulmigu Bandheswarar Tirukovil, and grant such other relief deem fit and proper under the circumstances of the case For Petitioner(s): D.Nandhagopal For Respondent(s): Mr.S.Ravichandran, Additional Govt. Pleader (HR&CE)