Senthil Kumar v. The Commissioner

Order This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to respondents 1 to 4 to conduct the annual Aadi Theemithi Festival of Sri Mannar Swamy Samedha Pachaiyamman Temple, situated at Melathazhanur Village, Thirukoilur Taluk, Page4 of 6 Kallakurichi District, strictly under the direct administration and supervision of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the annual Aadi Theemithi Festival has historically been conducted peacefully by the temple priest and the general public of the village under the active supervision and guidance of the HR & CE Department. The upcoming festival is scheduled to be celebrated on 14.08.2026. While so, respondents 5 to 13, without any legal authority, are attempting to unilaterally form a committee to conduct the upcoming festival under their own supervision. Aggrieved by this unauthorized interference, the petitioner submitted a formal representation to the official respondents on 08.07.2026. Since the said representation was not acted upon, the petitioner has approached this Court.

¶3When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the official respondents submitted that since the tenure of the previous committee has already expired, the temple is currently under the direct management and control of the HR & CE Department. He further submitted that the upcoming festival will be conducted exclusively under the direct administration of the HR & CE Department, and therefore, the question of any unauthorized third parties managing or interfering with the festival affairs does not arise. Page5 of 6

¶4The aforesaid submission made by the learned Special Government Pleader is recorded. In view of the statement that the HR & CE officials are already taking necessary steps to conduct the festival under their direct management, the grievance of the petitioner stands redressed, and no further orders are required in this Writ Petition. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 06-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK Note: Issue order copy on 10.08.2026 To

¶1The commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai-600 034

¶2The Joint Commissioner HR and CE Department, Villupuram/Kallakurichi District.

¶3The Inspector HR and CE Department, Thirukoilur, Kallakurichi District.

¶4The Executive Officer /Fit Person, Sri Mannar Swamy Samedha Pachaiyaman Temple, Melathazhanur Village, Thirukoilur Taluk, WPoNo.o31330oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMYoJ. sk WPoNo.o31330oofo2026 AND WMPoNO.o34426oOFo2026 06-08-2026 Page6oofo6

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 06-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY AND WMP NO. 34426 OF 2026 Senthil Kumar S/o. Annamalai, No.1/147 South Street, ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai-600 034 2. The Joint Commissioner HR and CE Department, Villupuram/Kallakurichi District. 3. The Inspector HR and CE Department, Thirukoilur, Kallakurichi District. 4. The Executive Officer /Fit Person, Sri Mannar Swamy Samedha Pachaiyaman Temple, Melathazhanur Village, Thirukoilur Taluk, 5. E. Kuppusamy, S/o. Elumalai, Main road, Page2 of 6 6. A. Arun Kumar S/o. Iyappan, South Street, 7. S. Rajakumari W/o. Silambarasan, Main road, 8. T. Ramki S/o. Tamilanban, South Street, 9. S. Bharathi S/o. Selvaraj, Mariamman Koil Street, 10.N. Satheesh Kumar S/o. Nehru, Mariamman Koil Street, 11.R. Purushothaman S/o. Rajarajan, Middle Street, 12.P. Ganesan, Page3 of 6 S/o. Perumal, Ambedkar Colony, 13.Sivaraj S/o. Poongan, Ambedkar Colony, ..Respondent(s) Prayer: writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Mandamus directing the Respondents 1 to 4 to conduct the annual Aadi Theemithi Festival of Sri Mannar Swamy Samedha pachaiyamman Temple, Melathazhanur Village, Thirukoilur Taluk, Kallakurichi District, strictly under the direct administration and supervision of the HR and CE Department and forbearing any individuals or unauthorized committees claiming allegiance to political parties or political groups from forming festival committees, collecting funds, or hijacking the conduct of the temple festival, and pass For Petitioner(s): Mr.S. Kingston jerold For Respondent(s): Mr.V.Chandraprabu, Special Government pleader (HR and CE) for R1 to R4