Sundarrajan.J v. The Government of Tamilnadu

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.) The petitioner has filed the present writ petition seeking a direction to respondents 1 to 4 to take necessary legal action, both civil and criminal, against all Kattalaidars, including respondents 6 and 7 herein, in the interest and welfare of the Ulavakottai Dwadashi Kattalai attached to Arulmighu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, and to ensure that its properties continue to remain as Kattalai properties in perpetuity.

¶2The petitioner claims to be the Managing Trustee of the said temple. The writ petition has been filed on the ground that the temple properties have been alienated in favour of various persons. Hence, the petitioner seeks a direction to initiate appropriate legal action against respondents 6 and 7.

¶3The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for respondents 1 to 3 submitted that the said respondents would conduct an enquiry, and if it is found that the temple properties were sold in violation of law, appropriate action would be taken in accordance with law to restore the same.

¶4Though the petitioner claims to be the Managing Trustee, his tenure has already expired. Nevertheless, insofar as the protection of temple properties is concerned, he may be treated as a devotee and is entitled to maintain the present writ petition.

¶5In view of the above, the fourth respondent is directed to conduct an enquiry in this regard, and if any sale has been effected without obtaining prior permission under Section 34 of the relevant Act, necessary action shall be taken to restore the temple properties. Such exercise shall be completed within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6.With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. [N.S.K., J.] & [M.J.R., J.]

17.04.2026

Index :Yes/No Internet :Yes am To

1.The Government of Tamilnadu, Rep by its Principal Secretary, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept, Fort St.George Secretariat, Chennai-600 009

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034

3.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept, Ellis Nagar, Madurai

4.The Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer, A/m.Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Madurai-625001

5.The Thasildar, Melur Taluk, Madurai District.

N.SATHISH KUMAR, J. AND

M.JOTHIRAMAN, J. am W.P.(MD)No.10061 of 2021

17.04.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.04.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.JOTHIRAMAN W.P.(MD)No.10061 of 2021 J.Sundarrajan ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Government of Tamilnadu, Rep by its Principal Secretary, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept, Fort St.George Secretariat, Chennai-600 009 2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034 3.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Dept, Ellis Nagar, Madurai 4.The Joint Commissioner/Executive Officer, A/m.Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple, Madurai-625001 5.The Thasildar, Melur Taluk, Madurai District. 6. S.Mayilvahanan 7.S.Kannan ... Respondents PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 4 herein to take necessary legal action both civil and criminal against all kattalaidars including the respondents 6 and 7 herein in the interest and welfare of Ulavakottai Thuvadasi Kattalai attached to Arulmighu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple and its properties to remain as Kattalai properties for ever. For Petitioner : Mrs.J.Padmavathi Devi For R1 to R3 : Mr.J.Ashok Additional Government Pleader For R4 : Mr.V.R.Shanmuganathan