Seenivasan V v. The Commissioner

ORDER This writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 5 to initiate action against the 6th and 7th respondents for swindling the jewels and properties belonging to Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple Karaipatti Village, Marungapuri Taluk, Trichy District.

2.Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner, it is observed that there are two allegations made against the party respondents. Firstly, it is alleged that they have unauthorizedly cut the trees on the temple land and tried to sell them without the permission of the authorities and without bringing it to the temple accounts. The second allegation is that they have also misappropriated and mishandled the temple jewels.

3.When the matter is came up for hearing, the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents 1 to 4 would submit that as far as the cutting of trees is concerned, a complaint has been lodged and a case has been registered in Crime No.33 of 2026. In view of the said allegation, immediately the sixth respondent has also been placed under suspension and enquiry is contemplated. With reference to the allegation of the jewels, based on the process of verification and the prima facie, a charge is made out, the authority shall proceed with the disciplinary proceedings that is contemplated against the sixth respondent.

4.The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the sixth and seventh respondents would submit that as far as cutting of tress is concerned, the same was within the land of the sixth respondent as the land was in possession of service inam. As far as the jewels are concerned, they nave not misappropriated and mishandled in any manner whatsoever.

5.This Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the charges. Based on the prima facie materials, as submitted by the learned Additional Government Pleader that they have already taken action and placed him under suspension and if the charges are made out, a charge memo will be issued and an enquiry will be conducted.

6.Recording the same, this Writ Petition stands disposed of and the authorities are directed to take appropriate action in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible. No costs.

04.03.2026 NCC:Yes/No Ns To

1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai-600034.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department,

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department,

4.The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department,

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J. Ns

04.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 04.03.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY V.Seenivasan ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai-600034. 2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 4.The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 5.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Boothanayaki Amman Temple Additional Incharge of Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple Karaipatti Village, Marungapuri Taluk, 6.Kumar @ Perumal 7.Shanmugam ...Respondents Writ Petition is filed under article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 5 to initiate action against the 6th and 7th respondents for swindling the jewels and properties belonging to the Arulmigu Muthumariamman Temple, Karaipatti Village, Marungapuri Taluk, Trichy District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 27.01.2026. For Petitioner :Mr.B.Prasanna Vinoth For R1 to R4 :Mr.M.Sarangan, Additional Government Pleader For R5 :Mr.R.Mohana Sundaram For R6 and R7 :Mr.VR.Shanmugasundaram