Madras High Court
K.Sangan vs The Secretary To Government on 24 February, 2026
Author: Krishnan Ramasamy
Bench: Krishnan Ramasamy
WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
Dated : 24.02.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY
WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.2741, 2742, 2746, 2747, 2864, 2870, 2871 of
2026, 25252 and 25253 of 2024
W.P.(MD)No.3318 of 2026
K.Sangan ... Petitioner
Vs
1. The Secretary to Government,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Nungambakkam, Chennai.
2. The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Nungambakkam, Chennai.
3. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Dindigul. ... Respondents
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
PRAYER :-
Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,
praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for
the records relating to the impugned Notification in Na.Ka.No.
8678/2022/A1 dated 27.01.2026 issued by the 3rd respondent, quash the
same, consequently direct the respondents to appoint a Fit Person to
administer the temple and further direct the 2nd respondent to dispose of
A.P.No. 15/2024/D2 within a time frame.
For Petitioner : Mr.V.Sirkanth for Mr.S.Madhavan
For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani,
Spl. Govt. Pleader
W.P.(MD)No.3326 of 2026
1.P.Velmurugan
2.M.Karthi
3.M.Pichaimani
4.N.Nagarani
5.M.Karmegam ... Petitioners
Vs
1. The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Uttamar Gandhi Salai,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai – 600 034.
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
2. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Seelapadi,
Dindigul.
3. The Inspector,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Periyakulam, Theni. ... Respondents
PRAYER :-
Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,
praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for
the records relating to the impugned notice/proceedings of the 2nd
respondent in Na.Ka.No. 8678/2022/A1 dated 27.01.2026 and quash the
same as illegal and without jurisdiction, subsequently, direct the 1st to 3rd
respondents herein to permit the petitioners herein to function and
discharge all duties and rights as trustees of the subject mentioned temple
for a period of 3 years from 24.01.2026 as per scheme in O.A.No. 8 of
1976 dated 13.05.1982 on the file of the then Deputy Commissioner of
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, Madurai – 2.
For Petitioners : Mr.V.Meenakshi Sundaram,
for Mr.D.Deepamathi
For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani,
Spl. Govt. Pleader
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
W.P.(MD)No.3467 of 2026
Periyasamy ... Petitioner
Vs
1. The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Uttamar Gandhi Salai,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai – 600 034.
3. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Seelapadi,
Dindigul.
3. The Inspector,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Periyakulam, Theni.
4.P.Velmurugan
5.M.karthi
6.M.Pichaimani
7.N.Nagarani
8.M.Karmegam ... Respondents
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
PRAYER :-
Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,
praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for
the records impugned proceeding of the 2nd Respondent herein vide
proceedings in Na.Ka. No.613/2026/A1 dated 22.01.2026 and quash the
same as illegal and further direct the 2nd Respondent herein to pass
necessary orders to record the selection of new trustees for Arulmigu
Pattalamman Muthiahsamy Temple, Melmanagalam as per the scheme
O.A. No.8 of 1976 dated 13.05.1982 and pass necessary orders within a
time stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.Raguvan Gopalan,
for Mr.D.Nallathambi
For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani,
Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R3
W.P.(MD)No.3468 of 2026
Periyasamy ... Petitioner
Vs
1. The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Uttamar Gandhi Salai,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai – 600 034.
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
2. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Seelapadi,
Dindigul.
3. The Inspector,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Periyakulam, Theni.
4.P.Velmurugan
5.M.karthi
6.M.Pichaimani
7.N.Nagarani
8.M.Karmegam ... Respondents
PRAYER :-
Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,
praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorari, calling for the records of
the impugned Notice / Proceedings issued by the 2nd Respondent in
Na.Ka.No.8678/2022/Aa1 dated 27.01.2026 and quash the same as
illegal and without jurisdiction and against the scheme framed in O.A.
No.8 of 1976 dated 13.05.1982 and thus render justice.
For Petitioner : Mr.Raguvan Gopalan,
for Mr.D.Nallathambi
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani,
Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R3
W.P.(MD)No.29987 of 2024
Arulmigu Pattalamman Muthaiahsamy Temple,
Rep by its Chairman Board of Trustees,
Mr.Neelamegam,
Keelatheru,
Melmangalam Village,
Periyakulam Taluk,
Theni District 625 603. ... Petitioner
Vs
1. The State of Tamil Nadu,
Represented by the Additional Chief Secretary,
Tourism, Cultural and Endowment Department,
Fort St. George, Secretariat,
Chennai- 600 009.
2. The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,
Uttamar Gandhi Salai,
Nungambakkam,
Chennai 600 034.
3. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department
Seelapadi,
Dindugul 624 005.
4. R. Dhanuskodi
5. S. Rasuthevar
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
6. V. Rajaram
7. M. Moorthy
8. R. Adhimoolam
9. Thangamuthu Pillai
10. Muthumaniservai
11. Krishnan @ Krishna
12. S. Balasubramaniam
13. S. Ganesan
14. S. Jayaraman
15. R. Lakshmanan
16. Nagarajan (Exonerated)
17. Kannan (Exonerated)
18. Katturaja (Exonerated) ... Respondents
PRAYER :-
Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,
praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorari, by calling for the records
of the 3rd respondent passed in his proceedings O.A.No.9 of 2021 dated
07.03.2024 and quash the same.
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
For Petitioner : Mr.V.Meenakshi Sundaram,
for Ms.T.Sathyaselvi
For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani,
Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R3
Mr.V.Srikanth
for Mr.S.Madhavan for R4 to R8
W.P.(MD)No.32135 of 2025
R.Athimoolam ... Petitioner
Vs
1.The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
119, Uttamar Gandhi Salai,
Nungambakkam High Road,
Chennai 600 034.
2. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable
Endowments Department,
Dindugul.
3.Thangamuthu Pillai
4. Sethu @ Sethuramalingam
5.Muthumaniservai
6. R. Lakshmanan ... Respondents
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WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026,
29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
PRAYER :-
Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,
praying this Court to issue a Writ of Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st
Respondent to dispose off A.P.15/2024/D-2 pending before him within
time frame fixed by this Court in respect of Arulmigu Pattalamman
Muthiahswamy Temple, Periyakulam, Theni District.
For Petitioner : Mr.S.Manohar
For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani,
Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 & R2
Mr.V.Meenakshisundaram for R3 to R6
COMMON ORDER
W.P.(MD)Nos.3318, 3326 and 3468 of 2026 have been filed challenging the proceedings of the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul, dated 27.01.2026, calling for applications for appointment of new trustees to Arulmigu Pattalaman Muthiahsamy Temple, Melmangalam, Theni District (hereinafter referred to as “the subject Temple”). 10/16 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/03/2026 04:14:52 pm ) WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026, 29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
2. W.P.(MD)No.3467 of 2026 has been filed challenging the proceedings of the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul, dated 27.01.2026, rejecting the appointment of new trustees, who were appointed based on the modified Scheme dated 07.03.2024, to the subject Temple.
3. W.P.(MD) No.29987 of 2024 has been filed challenging the impugned order passed by the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul, in O.A. No.9 of 2021, dated 07.03.2024, whereby the old scheme framed in O.A. No.8 of 1976 was modified by excluding one community, viz., the Konar community and including another community, viz., Rajakula Agamudaiyar, and also by appointing an Executive Officer to the subject temple.
4. W.P.(MD)No.32135 of 2025 has been filed seeking a direction to the Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Chennai to dispose of A.P.15/2024/D-2 pending before him in respect of the subject temple. 11/16 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/03/2026 04:14:52 pm ) WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026, 29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
5. According to the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, the subject temple is an ancient religious institution and a scheme was framed by the Deputy Commissioner, HR & CE Madurai in O.A.No.8 of 1976, on 13.05.1982, wherein it was categorically held that five trustees shall be selected only by the members of the five communities viz., Ambalam, Servai, Pandaram, Konar and Pillai of Keelatheru, Melmangalam Village and the HR & CE Department has no role in the selection process, except to record the trustees so selected. However, the Joint Commissioner, by proceedings dated 27.01.2026, calling for applications for appointment of new trustees to the subject temple. Challenging the same, W.P.(MD)Nos.3318, 3326 and 3468 of 2026 have been filed.
6. While so, an application was filed under Section 62(5) of the HR & CE Act in O.A.No.9 of 2021 to amend the scheme. The Joint Commissioner, by order dated 07.03.2024, modified the scheme by excluding one community, viz., the Konar community, and including another community, viz., Rajakula Agamudaiyar, and also by appointing 12/16 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/03/2026 04:14:52 pm ) WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026, 29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025 an Executive Officer to the subject temple. Challenging the said modified scheme, W.P.(MD)No.29987 of 2024 has been filed.
7. Thereafter, based on the modified scheme, new Board of Trustees were appointed through resolutions dated 06.01.2026 and 19.01.2026. However, the Joint Commissioner, through the proceedings dated 22.01.2026, rejected the appointment of new trustees. Challenging the same, W.P.(MD)No.3467 of 2026 has been filed.
8. As against the modified scheme, an appeal was filed in A.P.No.15 of 2024 before the Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Chennai and the same is still pending. Hence, W.P.(MD)No.32135 of 2025 has been filed to dispose of the said A.P.No.15 of 2024, within a time frame.
9. This Court heard the submissions made by the respective learned counsel appearing for all the parties and perused the materials available on record.
13/16 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/03/2026 04:14:52 pm ) WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026, 29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
10. Considering the submissions made by the respective learned counsel appearing for all the parties, this Court is of the view that, once A.P. No.15 of 2024 is disposed of, the rights of the Konar Community and the Rajakula Agamudaiyar Community will be decided, as to which community is required to be included or excluded from the scheme. Until the disposal of the said A.P. No.15 of 2024, this Court is of the opinion that status quo shall be continued, which would suffice to meet the ends of justice for all the parties concerned in these Writ Petitions.
11. In view of the above, this Court directs the appellate authority viz., The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Chennai, to dispose of A.P.No.15/2024-D-2 within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The interim order of status quo already granted by this Court shall continue till the disposal of the said appeal. 14/16 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/03/2026 04:14:52 pm ) WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026, 29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025
12. With the above directions, all these Writ Petitions are disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.
24.02.2026 Index : Yes/No NCC : Yes/No vsm TO
1. The Secretary to Government, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul.
4. The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Periyakulam, Theni.
15/16 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/03/2026 04:14:52 pm ) WP(MD). Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026, 29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025 KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.
vsm WP(MD)Nos.3318, 3326, 3467, 3468 of 2026, 29987 of 2024 & 32135 of 2025 Date : 24.02.2026 16/16 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 24/03/2026 04:14:52 pm )