Kalimuthu v. The District Collector

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the fourth respondent to take control of the fifth respondent Temple.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioners would submit that, since the year 2019, the members of the dominant community, namely, the Kulalars residing in Padayur Village, have been preventing persons belonging to the Asari and Boyar communities from offering worship in the fifth respondent Temple, though members of the said communities have also been devotees of the said Temple. Page No. 2 of 5

¶3On the other hand, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the official respondents would submit that the fifth respondent Temple does not come within the purview of the H.R. & C.E. Department. It is further submitted that, if the petitioners are aggrieved, they have to approach the sixth respondent for redressal of their grievance.

¶4Having considered the submissions made by the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the official respondents, and taking note of the fact that the fifth respondent Temple is presently not under the control of the H.R. & C.E. Department, this Court directs the sixth respondent / Assistant Commissioner, H.R. & C.E. Department, Dindigul, to conduct an enquiry and take appropriate steps, if warranted, to bring the fifth respondent Temple within the purview of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959.

¶5Needless to state, before taking any such steps, the fifth respondent Temple, represented by its Priest and Trustees, if any, shall be afforded an opportunity of hearing. The petitioners are also at liberty to submit a fresh representation, in addition to their earlier representations Page No. 3 of 5 dated 20.05.2026 and 01.06.2026, which are already on the file of the official respondents, to the sixth respondent. Upon receipt of such representation, the sixth respondent shall consider the same and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law.

¶6The Writ Petition stands disposed of accordingly. There shall be no order as to costs. NCC : Yes / No

20.07.2026 smn2 (3/3) To

1.The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Palani Revenue Division, Palani, Dindigul District.

3.The Tahsildar, Vedachandur Taluk, Dindigul District.

4.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Dindigul District.

5.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul. Page No. 4 of 5 C.SARAVANAN

, J.

smn2

20.07.2026 (3/3) Page No. 5 of 5

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 20.07.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN W.P.(MD)No.20270 of 2026 1.Kalimuthu 2.Krishnamoorthy ... Petitioners Vs. 1.The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul. 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Palani Revenue Division, Palani, Dindigul District. 3.The Tahsildar, Vedachandur Taluk, Dindigul District. 4.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Dindigul District. 5.Sri Bhagavathi Amman and Other Temples, Rep. by Temple Priest, P.Kosavapatti, Padiyur, Vedachandur Taluk, Dindigul District. 6.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul. ... Respondents [R6 is suo motu impleaded vide order dated 20.07.2026] Page No. 1 of 5 Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to direct the fourth respondent to take appropriate steps for taking control over the administration of the fifth respondent temple and to maintain proper accounts of the fifth respondent temple in accordance with law based on the petitioner's representations dated 20.05.2026 and 01.06.2026 and consequently, ensure proper and transparent administration of the fifth respondent temple affairs. For Petitioners : Ms.N.Ratchaka For R1 to R4 and R6 : Mr.R.Parthiban Government Standing Counsel