BEFORE THE MADURAI BENGH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 02.12.2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY S.Mohan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 34.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Office of the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Thanjavur.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Pudukkottai District.

4.The Fit Person / Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Ponnamaravathi Taluk, Pudukkottai District, Office at ;

Arulmighu Muthu Mariamman Temple, Konnaiyur, Ponnamaravathi Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

5.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ponnamaravathi, Pudukkottai District.

6.The Inspector of Police, Ponnamaravathi Police Station, Pudukkottai District.

7.The Tahsildar, Office of the Tahsildar, Ponnamaravathi Taluk, Pudukkottai District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to unlock temple premises and continue to do poojas in the light of the order passed by this Court in W.P.(MD)No.17824 on 30.07.2024, thereby not to affect the fundamental right of the petitioner and the other villagers guaranteed under Article 25 & 26 of the Constitution of India to visit and take part in the worship of the deity shall not be taken away for any reason within the stipulated time period fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.Ramesh Mahadev For Respondents 1to3 & 7 : Mr.K.Balasubramani Special Government Pleader For Respondents 5 & 6 : Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate [Crl. Side]

O R D E R

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents to unlock the temple premises and continue to do poojas in the light of the order passed by this Court in W.P.(MD)No.17824 on 30.07.2024, thereby not to affect the fundamental right of the petitioner and the other villagers guaranteed under Article 25 & 26 of the Constitution of India and their rights to visit and take part in the worship of the deity shall not be taken away for any reason.

2.Today, when the matter was taken up for hearing, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents would submit that a communication has been sent by the Assistant Commissioner of 'Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department' [hereinafter referred to as 'HR & CE department' for convenience], Pudukkottai, to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ponnamaravathi, on 02.12.2025, stating that the subject temple will be opened for public worship on 08.12.2025 and regular poojas will be carried out thereafter.

3.The present Writ Petition is only for a Writ of Mandamus to open the temple for worship. In view of the above decision arrived at by the Assistant Commissioner of HR & CE, no further orders are required in this Writ Petition. However, if at all the petitioner is having any other grievances, it is open to him to make appropriate representation before the concerned officials of the HR & CE department.

4.Recording the fact that the temple will be opened and thereafter, poojas will be carried out, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

02.12.2025 Index: Yes/No Internet: Yes/No Neutral Citation: Yes/No MR To

1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, No.119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 34.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Office of the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Thanjavur.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Office of the Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Pudukkottai District.

4.The Fit Person / Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Ponnamaravathi Taluk, Pudukkottai District, Offi