Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (Telc) v. The Sub Collector

O R D E R This Writ Petition is filed for a Mandamus directing the respondents, particularly, the 2nd respondent to consider the representation dated 29.01.2026 and allow them to conduct the religious duties at Old Survey No.807B, New Survey No.1004 at Anaimalai and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to provide adequate protection.

¶2The petitioner society runs and administers several churches, 9 Higher Secondary Schools, 128 Primary Schools, 2 Old age homes, 28 Orphanages, 1 Hospital, one College and 2 Teacher Training Institutions in the properties purchased. According to the petitioner, the lent period followed by the auspicious days of Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, Graveyard feast, All Soul's Day are forthcoming. Hence the local members of the Church passed a resolution and forwarded the same to the Bishop by the local Pastor and therefore, the petitioner made a representation dated 29.01.2026 to the 2nd respondent asking for permission to conduct the religious duties at Old Survey Page3 of 5 No.807B, New Survey No.1004 at Anaimalai. Since the representation of the petitioner was not considered by the 2nd respondent till date, the present writ petition is filed.

¶3Heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the materials.

¶4Considering the limited scope of prayer sought for, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the 2nd respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 29.01.2026 and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law on or before 01.04.2026.

¶5With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. 27-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order ssb Note: Issue order copy on 30.03.2026 Page4 of 5 To

¶1The Sub Collector Office of the Sub Collector NO.135 Pallakad - Pollachi Road Pollachi 642001.

¶2The Tahsildar Taluk Office Complex Anaimalai Taluk Coimbatore 642104.

¶3The Inspector Of Police Anaimalai Police Station No.14 Police Station Street Anaimalai, Coimbatore 642104. Page5 of 5 M.DHANDAPANI J. ssb 27-03-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 27-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church (TELC) Represented by the Property Officer Mr.P.Soloman Having office at Tranquebar House Tiruchirappalli 620001. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Sub Collector Office of the Sub Collector NO.135 Pallakad - Pollachi Road Pollachi 642001. 2. The Tahsildar Taluk Office Complex Anaimalai Taluk Coimbatore 642104. 3. The Inspector Of Police Anaimalai Police Station No.14 Police Station Street Anaimalai Coimbatore 642104. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India directing the respondents particularly the 2nd respondent to consider the representation dated 29.01.2026 and allow us to conduct the religious duties at Old Survey No. 807 B, New Survey No.1004 at Anaimalai, consequently direct the 3rd respondent to provide adequate protection and pass. Page2 of 5 For Petitioner(s): R.Kannan For Respondent(s): Mr.A.Selvendran, Special Government Pleader for R1 and R2 Mr.V.Meghanathan, Govt. Advocate (Crl.Side) for R3