Murugan v. The Government of Tamilnadu

ORDER The writ petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned order passed by the 5th respondent dated 29.03.2022.

¶2It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner is a poosari of Thirunanthipuram Semmaneri Andavar and Kasi Viswanathar Thirukoil. The petitioner and his ancestors have been discharging their duty as hereditary archaga in the above said temple. On 15.03.2016 the petitioner took great effort in repairing the temple and performed Maha Kumbabishekam by getting donation from devotees. The HR & CE department did not give any money or took any effort for the said repair and Maha Kumbhabishekam. In such circumstances, on 09.03.2022, the 5th respondent issued order removing the petitioner from the post of hereditary without any complaint. Challenging the same, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.

¶3The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the Executive Officer has made an allegation against the petitioner that he has collected money from the devotees. However, no one has lodged a complaint against the petitioner. Hence, this Court may quash the impugned order and allow the writ petition.

¶4Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents and perused the materials available on record.

¶5It is the main grievance of the petitioner that the petitioner and his ancestors have been performing poojas in Thirunanthipuram Semmaneri and Kasi Viswanathar Thirukoil without any interruption as hereditary archakas. The respondents 1 to 4 are attempting to stop daily poojas performed by the petitioner to the temple and passed impugned order seeks to stop the petitioner from performing pooja in the temple and appointed one Silambarasan as Archaka on temporary basis. The petitioner has filed a suit in this regard as against the respondent and the same is pending. On perusal of the impugned order, it is seen that there was no complaint received as against the petitioner. Without any complaint, the 5th respondent has passed the impugned order removing the petitioner from the post of hereditary archaga, which is not sustainable. Hence, the impugned order passed by the 5th respondent is liable to be set aside. 6Accordingly, the impugned order is set aside and the writ petition is allowed. However, liberty is granted to the respondents to take necessary action as against the petition if any complaint is received in future. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 02-03-2026 rli Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To

¶1The Secretary to Government, HIndu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009.

2.The Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 006.

3.the joint commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Villupuram.

4.The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Villupuram.

5.The executive officer Arulmigu Semmaneri Andavar And Kasi Viswanathar Thirukkoil, Thirunanthipuram, Villupuram District. M.DHANDAPANI J. rli 02-03-2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 02-03-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and WMP No. 12755 of 2022 Murugan Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Government of TamilNadu Rep. by its Secretary to Government, HIndu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009. 2.The Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 006. 3.the joint commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Villupuram. 4.The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Villupuram. 5.The Executive officer Arulmigu Semmaneri Andavar And Kasi Viswanathar Thirukkoil, Thirunanthipuram, Villupuram District. 6.Selvam Respondent(s) PRAYER; The writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a writ of certiorari, calling for the records and the impugned order of the 5th respondent dated 29.03.2022 and quash the same as illegal. For Petitioner(s): Mr.J.Antony Jesus For Respondent(s): Mr.S.Ravichandran, AGP HR & CE R1 to R4 M/s. S.Sithirai Anandam, For R5 Mr.N.Suresh R6