P.Arul Manikandan, v. The Commissioner,

ORDER Heard both sides.

¶2The writ petitioner wants to build a rest house for the devotees thronging the fourth respondent temple. The temple authority have allocated a place for construction of such building. The grievance of the writ petitioner is that even though much time has elapsed, the site is yet to be handed over to him. Hence, this writ petition has been filed.

¶4When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Additional Government Pleader on instructions states that in the site to be handed over to the writ petitioner, there are a number of karuvelam trees and that they have to be disposed of after getting valuation from the forest department. The proposal in this regard was submitted to the fifth respondent on 26.08.2025. The District Forest Officer had in turn informed the fourth respondent that the forest ranger may be approached. It is for the DFO to co-ordinate with the forest ranger. Be that as it may, the report sought for by the fourth respondent shall be furnished to the writ petitioner within two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. After holding tender, all the karuvelam trees will have to be removed. This process should be completed within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the valuation report from the fifth respondent. The successful tenderer shall remove all the trees within a period of two weeks thereafter. Once these three steps are taken, the spot in question shall be handed over to the writ petitioner for constructing the rest room. In the meanwhile, the second respondent will issue permission in favour of the petitioner by incorporating appropriate terms and conditions. The petitioner undertakes before this Court that he will construct the rest room out of his own personal funds. In other words, the writ petitioner will not make any collection from the devotees. It is open to the second respondent to incorporate further conditions also to ensure that there is no enrichment in the name of carrying out this work.

¶5The Writ Petition is allowed accordingly. No costs.

13.10.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi To

1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Millerpuram, Thoothukudi District.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Azhagespuram Main Road, Thoothukudi.

4.The Executive Officer, Sri Arulmighu Karkkuvel Ayyanar Thirukovil, Theri Kudiyiruppu, Kuthiraimozhi Village, Kayamozhi Post, Tiruchendur Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J. rmi

13.10.2025

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 13.10.2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN P.Arul Manikandan ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34. 2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable and Endowment Department, Millerpuram, Thoothukudi District. 3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Azhagespuram Main Road, Thoothukudi. 4.The Executive Officer, Sri Arulmighu Karkkuvel Ayyanar Thirukovil, Theri Kudiyiruppu, Kuthiraimozhi Village, Kayamozhi Post, Tiruchendur Taluk, Thoothukudi District. 5.The District Forest Officer, Forest Range, Thoothukudi. (R5 is suo motu impleaded by this Court vide order dated 13.10.2025 by GRSJ) ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent no.4 initiate the proceedings based on the 3rd respondent's intimation letter in Oo.MU.Number.8618/2025/Aal dated 21.08.2025 for offering the permission order to construct the building for the welfare of devotees in Arulmighu Karkkuvel Ayyanar Temple is located at Their Kudiyiruppu, Kuthiraimozhi village, Tiruchendur Taluk, Thoothukudi District. For Petitioner : Mr.J.Senthil Kumar For Respondents : Mr.G.Suriya Ananth Additional Government Pleader for R1 to R5