Raja S.M v. The Commissioner

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.) This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to constitute the committee to find the truth with regarding to the demolition of the Kalahastheeswarar temple which is also known as Abirami Amman Temple located in Dindigul District and the theft of the valuable and precious statutes, gold jewels, diamond jewels, inscriptions and pictures and further to initiate disciplinary proceedings as well as penal proceedings against the officials alleged involve in the said illegal allegations and to take appropriate action on the petitioners representation dated 16.09.2025, within a time frame.

2.The main grievance of the writ petitioner is that Abirami Amman Temple is an ancient temple and its history linked to the 9th century Chola dynasty. During the year 2016, for Kumbabishekam of the said temple, a sum of Rs.20 Crores has been collected by the chief priest as a donation. However, no proper record with regard to the expenditure made for the kumbabishekam. That apart, while renovation work, old statutes were replaced with new statutes. Hence, an action has been sought in this writ petition.

3.The fourth respondent has filed status report stating that during verification it was found that certain old structures in the temple premises had deteriorated over time and certain works relating to repair, maintenance and renovation activities had been carried out in the temple premises. The properties were also properly verified through the concerned authorities. Therefore, it is denied by the authorities that there is a theft of idols. With regard to the collection of money, now a criminal complaint has also been given before the District Collector, by the Executive Officer of the temple.

4.Such view of the matter, let the investigation be conducted by Police Officials properly. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of . There shall be no order as to costs. [N.S.K., J.] & [M.J.R., J.]

17.03.2026

Index :Yes/No Internet :Yes GNS To

1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Endowments Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai District.

2.The Head of the Idol Smuggling, Prevention Division, Idol Smuggling Prevention Division Office, Alwarpet, Chennai.

3.The Director of Income Tax Department, Income Tax Office, 121, M.G.Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

4.The District Collector, Dindigul District.

5.The Joint Commissioner, Joint Commissioner Office Seelapadi,

6.The Deputy Commissioner, (Thakkar), Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Joint Commissioner Officer Seelapadi,

7.The Assistant Commissioner, Spencer Compound, Near Rajeshwari Hospital,

8.The Inspector of Police, Idol Wing CID, Dindigul Range, Dindigul.

N.SATHISH KUMAR, J. AND

M.JOTHIRAMAN, J. GNS W.P.(MD)No.2224 of 2026

17.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.03.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.JOTHIRAMAN W.P.(MD)No.2224 of 2026 S.M.Raja ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Endowments Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai District. 2.The Head of the Idol Smuggling, Prevention Division, Idol Smuggling Prevention Division Office, Alwarpet, Chennai. 3.The Director of Income Tax Department, Income Tax Office, 121, M.G.Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai. 4.The District Collector, Dindigul District. 5.The Joint Commissioner, Joint Commissioner Office Seelapadi, 6.The Deputy Commissioner, (Thakkar), Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Joint Commissioner Officer Seelapadi, 7.The Assistant Commissioner, Spencer Compound, Near Rajeshwari Hospital, 8.The Executive Officer, Hindu Religious and Kalahatheeswarar Temple, 9.The Inspector of Police, Idol Wing CID, Dindigul Range, Dindigul. 10.Gurunathan ... Respondents PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to constitute the committee to find the truth with regarding to the demolition of the Kalahastheeswarar temple which is also known as Abirami Amman Temple located in Dindigul District and the theft of the valuable and precious statutes, gold jewels, diamond jewels, inscriptions and pictures and further to initiate disciplinary proceedings as well as penal proceedings against the officials alleged involve in the said illegal allegations and to take appropriate action on the petitioners representation dated 16.09.2025 within a stipulated period of time fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Gokul For R1 to R7 : Mr.J.Ashok, Additional Government Pleader For R8 : Mr.V.Chandrasekar For R9 : Mr.K.Sanjay Gandhi, Government Advocate(Crl.side)