Kanakaraj v. The District Collector

ORDER This is a petition filed by the petitioners seeking a direction to respondents 1 and 2 to consider the representation dated 08.9.2025 to retrieve the Lord Karupparayan Temple at S.No.247/1A measuring an extent of 1 acre, Anaipalli Pudur Hamlet, Pogalur Village, Annur Taluk, Coimbatore with all deities and temple things from respondents 3 and 4.

¶2Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader accepting notice for respondents 1 and 2. In view of the limited nature of relief this Court proposes to grant, notice Page4 of 9 to respondents 3 and 4 is dispensed with and the writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal.

¶3The case of the petitioners is as follows:

(i) A temple is situated at S.No.247/1A measuring 1 acre of land at Anaipalli Pudur Hamlet, Pogalur Village, Annur Taluk, Coimbatore District. The main deity is Lord Karupparayan and Goddesses Kannmar and Veeramathi and Lord Thannasiappan are also there as additional deities. The people in that locality are worshipping the deities for over two decades.

(ii) On 02.9.2025, respondents 3 and 4, who are the owners of neighbouring lands situated in S.No.247/1A, illegally trespassed into the temple and removed the idols and also damaged the hundial and other properties. They also caused religious intolerance and disharmony to the worshippers like the petitioners. They further insulted the petitioners and occupied the temple. The priest of the temple was not even allowed by respondents 3 and 4 to conduct poojas. Page5 of 9

(iii) Hence, the petitioners sent a representation dated 08.9.2025 to the first respondent, who forwarded it to the Joint Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Coimbatore. In turn, the Joint Commissioner, HR & CE Department transmitted it to the Assistant Commissioner, Additional Charge, HR & CE Department, Coimbatore-18 for necessary action. Further, vide proceedings dated 17.10.2025, the Assistant Commissioner, Additional Charge, HR & CE Department, Coimbatore-18, addressed to the first respondent stated that based on the undated report of the Circle Inspector, Mettupalayam, the subject temple is not coming under the HR & CE Department, that there is a mention about the dispute between two communities and that therefore, the petitioners have to approach the Revenue Department for redressal of their grievance. Hence, the petitioners are before this Court.

¶4This Court has carefully considered the submissions of the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record. Page6 of 9

¶5In the considered view of this Court, a copy of the proceedings dated 17.10.2025 issued by the Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department has been marked to the first petitioner. Vide proceedings dated 17.10.2025, the petitioners have been asked to approach the Revenue Department to get their grievance redressed.

¶6Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the petitioners to approach the Revenue Divisional Officer concerned with a fresh representation within four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. On receipt of such a representation, the Revenue Divisional Officer concerned shall consider the same on merits and pass appropriate orders thereon in accordance with law within a period of eight weeks therefrom. It is made clear that the first respondent shall monitor to redress the grievance of the petitioners properly. No costs. 10-04-2026 rli Page7 of 9 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order To

¶1The District Collector, Collectorate Coimbatore

¶2The Tasildhar, Annur Taluk Office, Annur, Coimbatore District. Page8 of 9

M.DHANDAPANI, J. RLI W.PNo.13284 of 2026 10-04-2026 Page9 of 9

Page1 of 9 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 10-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI 1. Kanakaraj, S/o. Lakshmanasamy, D.No.4/32, Anaippalli Pudur, Bellepalayam, Coimbatore-641302 2. Iyyasamy, S/o. Maran, D.No.4/32, Anaipalli Pudur, Bellepalayam, Coimbatore-641302 3. Nagarajan, S/o. Karuppusamy, 2/664, Anaipalli Pudur, Bellepalayam, Coimbatore-641302 4. Murugan, S/o. Penchittan, D.No.5/902, Thadaga Mandalam, Kuppanur, Coimbatore-641653 5. Karthick, S/o. Rangasamy, D.No.5/902, Anaipalli Pudur, Bellepalayam, Coimbatore-641302 6. Murugan, S/o. Sadaiyappan, D.No.4/64, Anaipalli Pudur, Bellepalayam, Coimbatore-641302 Page2 of 9 7. Selvan, S/o. Marimuthu, D.No.4/46, Anaippalli Pudur, Bellepalayam, Coimbatore-641302 8. Ramakrishnan, S/o. Kannappan, D.No.3/179, Rasadi Harijana Colony, Bellepalayam, Coimbatore-641302 ...Petitioners Vs 1. The District Collector Collectorate, Coimbatore 2. The Tasildhar, Annur Taluk Office, Annur, Coimbatore District. 3. Saravanakumar, S/o. Late R.K. Krishnamoorthy, D.No.3/33, Nanjappa Gounden Pudur, Pogalur Village, Annur Taluk, Coimbatore. 4. Sureshkumar, S/o. Late R.K. Krishnamoorthy, D.No.3/33, Nanjappa Gounden Pudur, Pogalur Village, Annur Taluk, Coimbatore. ...Respondents PETITION under Article 226 of The Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondent 1 and 2 to Page3 of 9 retrieve the Lord Karupparayan Temple at S.F.No.247/1A which is an extent of 1 acre of Anaippalli Pudur Hamlet, Pogalur Village of Annur Taluk, Coimbatore with all deities and temple things from the respondents 3 and 4 on the basis of representation dated 08.9.2025 sent by petitioners to respondent-1 within time as stipulated by the Court. For Petitioners: Mr.P.Murali For R1 & R2: Mr.M.Rajendiran, AGP