T.R.Ramesh v. The State of Tamil Nadu

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by Dr.G.Jayachandran J.) This Writ Petition is filed to quash the G.O.(Ms) No.336, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments (R.E. 4-1) Department dated 14.09.2023 issued by the first respondent and to direct the respondents to restore the property and funds misappropriated.

¶2The Government Order referred in the Writ Petition is in respect of the proposal to put a structure opposite to Raja Gopuram of Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai using the temple funds. There was a stay granted by Page3 of 5 this Court not to proceed with the said proposal. Thereafter, the Government itself has withdrawn the proposal to put up construction as contemplated in G.O.

(Ms) No.336, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments (R.E. 4-1) Department dated 14.09.2023 by issuing G.O.(Ms) No.58, dated 19.06.2026. Therefore, the substantial part of the relief sought by the petitioner is already been complied.

¶3As far as the the funds is concerned, it is stated that the Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department has written to the Executive Officer [Buildings], Tiruvannamalai seeking return of Rs.6,39,33,250/- paid in advance to the Public Works Department [in short, PWD] for the proposed construction. The said communication is vide Na.Ka.No.47/2023/A3 dated 25.06.2026. It appears that the money has not been refunded by the PWD till date. Since the proposal to put up construction by PWD is dropped, it is appropriate for the PWD to refund the money in full along with interest if any accrued. Hence, we direct the first respondent/Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department and the fifth respondent / District Collector, Tiruvannamalai to oversee the transfer of funds from PWD to the temple as early as possible. Page4 of 5

¶4With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition(s) is/are closed. There shall be no order as to costs. (G.J.,J.) (E.M.,J.) 13-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order DP To

¶1The Secretary, State of Tamil Nadu, Tourism, Culture And Religious Endowment Department, Secretariat, Chennai-09

¶2The Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Chennai-34. WPoNo.o11240oofo2024 DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN,oJ. AND E.MANOHARAN,oJ. DP WPoNo.o11240oofo2024 13-08-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 13-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE DR JUSTICE G. JAYACHANDRAN AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE E.MANOHARAN and WMP.Nos.12332 & 12335 of 2024 T.R.Ramesh Flat 3b, Nataraj Apartments, 17 D Silva Road, Mylapore, Chennai- 004. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. State of Tamil Nadu Rep By Its Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowment Department, Secretariat, Chennai-09 2. The Commissioner Hindu Religious And Charitable Endowment Department, Chennai-34. 3. S.G.P. Exim Pvt., Ltd., Rep. by its Director, 30, Conron Smith Rd, Gopalapuram, Chennai – 600086. (R3 impleaded vide order dated 16.07.2026 made in WMP.29587 of 2026 in WP.11240 of 2024 by GJJ, SSJ) ..Respondent(s) Page2 of 5 Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to G.O.Ms. No.336 Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments (R.E. 4-1) Department dated 14.09.2023, issued by the first respondent herein, quash the same and consequently, direct the respondents to restore the properties and funds misappropriated from Hindu Temples by the first and second respondents herein for any of the purpose set out in the said order. For Petitioner(s): Mr.T.R.Ramesh (P-IN-P) For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Bharanidharan, SGP for HR & CE No Appearance for R3