Av.Kathir v. State of Tamil Nadu Represented by

O R D E R [Order of the Court was made by C.V. KARTHIKEYAN, J.] This Writ Petition has been filed in the nature of Mandamus seeking a direction to complete the renovation works and to re-open the Gandhi Memorial Museum at Madurai and its library for public access.

¶2Notice had been directed to the respondents and the learned Counsels have also entered appearance.

¶3The learned counsel for the 4th respondent/Secretary, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Madurai, stated that the civil works for renovation had been completed and the electrical works had also been practically completed. He stated that only the digital screens have to be affixed. The interiors have also been completed and the exhibits have to be arranged within the building. This has to be done in an aesthetically pleasing manner and there has to be a proper ambience when the visitors visit the museum and the library. Naturally this will take time and effort. We deeply appreciate the steps taken in renovating the library and in making it more user-friendly. We are sure that after it is re-opened, the general public who visit it, will benefit by understanding and gaining knowledge about the philosophy and about the honourable life the Father of the Nation had led.

¶4Recording the fact that the renovations are in good progress, this Writ Petition stands closed. No costs.

[C.V.K., J.] & [R.S.V., J.]

23.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Indu To

1.The Principal Secretary, Toursim, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai 600 009.

2.The Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Buildings), Government of Tamil Nadu, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005.

3.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Madurai 625 020.

4.The Secretary, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Collector Office Road, Tamukkam, Madurai 625 020.

5.The Superintendent Engineer, PWD Office Complex, Chinna Chokikulam, Madurai 625 002. C.V.oKARTHIKEYAN,oJ. AND oR.SAKTHIVELoo,oJo. Indu W.P(MD)oNo.19412oofo2026

23.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 23.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.V. KARTHIKEYAN AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.SAKTHIVEL W.P(MD) No.19412 of 2026 AV.Kathir ...... Petitioner Vs. 1.State of Tamil Nadu, Represented by the Principal Secretary, Toursim, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai 600 009. 2.The Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Buildings), Government of Tamil Nadu, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 3.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Madurai 625 020. 4.The Secretary, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Collector Office Road, Tamukkam, Madurai 625 020. 5.The Superintendent Engineer, PWD Office Complex, Chinna Chokikulam, Madurai 625 002. ...... Respondents Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to expeditiously complete the renovation works and reopen the Gandhi Memorial Museum Madurai and its Library for the public access by considering the petitioner's representation dated 24.06.2026 in accordance with law within a time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Dr.R.Alagumani For R1, to R3 : Mr.S.I.Muthiah and R5 Counsel for State of TN For R4 : M/s.K.Vidya