T.Venkatesan v. The Joint Commissioner

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The writ petitioners are officiating as priests in the petition mentioned temple. Some issues arose on account of the conduct of the second petitioner. The second petitioner has filed an undertaking affidavit and it reads as follows:

¶2I state that we will do the pooja in accordance with the rotation basis which is already in vogue in the temple. i.e., 10 days each in every English month along with Manjula, Govindarajan subject to the result of the O.A.

3.I state that I will not interfere in the pooja performance of the other poojaries during their period of performance of poojas.

4.I state that every day after the temple is closed, I will handover the keys in the Sannathi to the night watchman and receive it back in the morning.

5.I state that after my period of pooja in rotation is completed, I will handover the keys of the room where the pooja materials are kept to the Maniam of the Temple.

6.I state that if I require any assistance during performance of the pooja, I will engage only one other person.

7.I state that I will abide by the orders to be passed by the Joint Commissioner in the Original Application filed by me and the O.A.No.44 of 2024 filed by the 1st Petitioner and will abide by the lawful directions being issued by the 2nd Respondent in the Temple. The O.As can be decided independently and this arrangement will be till the decision in OAs.

8.I will conduct the poojas to the utmost satisfaction of the devotees."

3.The petitioner is permitted to officiate as priest in terms of the aforesaid undertaking.

4.Recording the said undertaking, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

17.10.2025

NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No MGA To

1.The Joint Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Ellis Nagar, Madurai.

2.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Sri Natchiyar (Andal) Temple, Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar District.

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J. MGA

17.10.2025

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.10.2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P(MD)No.22583 of 2025 1.T.Venkatesan 2.Prasanna Devi ... Petitioners Vs. 1.The Joint Commissioner, Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Ellis Nagar, Madurai. 2.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Sri Natchiyar (Andal) Temple, Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar District. ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, forbearing the second respondent from interfering with out legitimate rights as poosari of Arulmigu Alamelu Mangai Ammal Temple, Thiruvannamalai, Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar District on the basis of the orders dated 10.04.1987 made in O.A.No.17 of 1985, 22.11.2024 made in W.P.(MD) No.23251 of 2024. For Petitioners : Mr.R.G.Shankar Ganesh For Respondents : Mr.P.subbaraj Special Government Pleader for R.1 Mr.M.Kannan for R.2