Palanivel v. The District Collector

ORDER This writ petition has been filed to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.12.2025.

¶2Ms.Inthu Karunakaran, learned Government's counsel, takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

¶3By consent of the parties, the main petition is taken up for disposal in the stage of admission itself.

¶4The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that in this case, the petitioners are in the process of construction of "Om Sivasakthi Balamurugan Temple" (hereinafter called as "subject Temple") at the subject land, situated at Thombankaradu, Navappatti Village, Mettur Taluk, Salem District. Consequently, they are renovating the pathway to reach the said temple. In this regard, a representation dated 12.12.2025 was filed by the petitioner, requesting the respondents to grant permission for renovation of the pathway and continuation of construction works in the subject Temple. In spite of the said representation, the respondents are interfering with the construction work and renovating process. Hence, this petition. Page3 of 6

¶5On the other hand, the learned Government's counsel appearing for the respondent would submit that in this case, the petitioners are carrying on the construction work and renovating process by virtue of illegal quarrying. Further, he would contend that the subject Temple is a Private Temple belongs to the petitioners and the pathway, renovated by the petitioner, belongs to Government. Hence, he prays for dismissal of this petition.

¶6In reply, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the subject Temple is not at all a Private temple, but it is a public temple. Further, he would submit that the petitioner is not at all doing any illegal quarrying and they are constructing the temple and renovating the pathway only with the available stones. Hence, he requests this Court to issue a direction to continue the construction work without any interference from the respondent.

¶7Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the respondents and also perused the entire materials available on record.

¶8In the case on hand, the petitioner is constructing the subject Temple and also renovating the pathway to reach out the said temple. Now, the main grievance of the petitioner is with regard to the interference of the respondent in the said construction and renovation work. Page4 of 6

¶9On the other hand, according to the respondent, the petitioner is carrying on the construction work of subject Temple, which is a private Temple, by virtue of illegal quarrying and also renovating the pathway by utilising the Government land.

¶10However, according to the petitioner, the subject Temple is not at all a Private temple, but it is a public temple and the petitioners are carrying on the process of constructing the temple only with the available stones. In such case, it appears that there is no illegal quarrying on the part of the petitioner. Since the Temple is being constructed for public purpose, the same can be done with the available stones. Therefore, the respondent shall not disturb the process of construction of Temple.

¶11That apart, a contention was raised by the respondent on the aspect of renovating the pathway by utilising the Government land. Since the Temple is a public place, certainly, the Government land can be utilised to provide pathway for the general public to reach out the subject Temple and worshipping the Deity therein. Hence, there is no impediment to the respondent in granting permission for continuation of construction work and renovation process.

¶12In view of the above, this Court directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.12.2025 and grant permission for Page5 of 6 renovation of the pathway and continuation of construction works in the Subject Temple.

¶13With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No cost. 02-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order nsa To

¶1The District collector Salem Salem District

¶2The Revenue Divisional officer Mettur Taluk Salem District

¶3The Tahsildar Mettur Taluk Salem District WPoNo.o15521oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMYoJ. nsa WPoNo.o15521oofo2026 02-06-2026 Page6oofo6

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 02-06-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY Palanivel S/o.Veerappan No.2/4-532, Navappatti village Mettur Taluk, Salem District ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District collector Salem, Salem District 2. The Revenue Divisional officer Mettur Taluk, Salem District 3. The Tahsildar Mettur Taluk, Salem District ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents No.1 to 3 to grant permission for renovation of the pathway and continuation of construction works in Om Sivasakthi Balamurugan Temple Situated at Thombankaradu, Navappatti village, Mettur Taluk,Salem District in pursuance of petitioners representation dated 12.12.2025 For Petitioner(s): Mr.C.Deepakkumar For Respondent(s): Ms.Inthu Karunakaran, Govt's counsel Page2 of 6