IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-01-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY

and

W.P.Nos.56000 & 56001 of 2025

P.Kannan Petitioner

Vs

1. The Commissioner,

Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowments Department,

No. 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road,

Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034.

2.The Joint Commissioner,

Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowment department,

Sitharkadu, Mayiladuthurai

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowment Department,

Sitharkadu, Mayiladuthurai.

4.The Executive Officer,

Hindu Religious and Charitable

Endowment Department,

Arulmigu Manmadheeswarar Thirukoil,

Kuttalam Taluk,

Mayiladuthurai District.

Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the

petitioner’s representation dated 06.12.2025 and further direct the first to fourth respondent to treat the petitioner as a legal tenant of the fourth respondent temple permitting him to continue his business in the property comprised in S.No.176/2, Kuttalam Village, Kuttalam Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District.

For Petitioner: Ms.J.Madhumitha For Respondents Mr.S.Ravichandran Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 06.12.2025 and further direct the first to fourth respondent to treat the petitioner as a lawful tenant of the fourth respondent temple permitting him to continue his business in the property comprised in S.No.176/2, Kuttalam Village, Kuttalam Taluk, Mayiladuthurai District.

2. Upon hearing the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and perusing the affidavit and other material records of the case, the grievance of the petitioner is that he was a tenant in respect of the entire property. While so, since the petitioner was in arrears of rent, he is now suddenly sought to be evicted without following due process of law. As a matter of fact, the petitioner has taken steps to clear the arrears and recently paid a sum of Rs.3,17,000/- on 09.12.2025 and another sum of Rs.3,60,156/- is being paid today. Therefore, the learned counsel would submit that in the said background, the respondents may be directed to consider the representation of the petitioner so that he continues to be the lawful tenant and that the portions which are being taken over are also handed back to him.

3. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to 4 would submit that the total arrears of rent was Rs.13,22,685/-. As a matter of fact, the temple has taken possession of the entire property except the bakery portion, which is still being occupied by the petitioner, wherein he is running his bakery business.

4. Be that as it may, it is for the respondent authorities to consider the representation of the petitioner if he comes forward to clear all the arrears and regularise his tenancy. The entire issue is left open to be considered by the authorities on its own merits in accordance with law.

5. In view of the above, let the representation of the petitioner dated

06.12.2025 be considered by the second respondent. Needless to mention that the petitioner shall also be heard and the second respondent shall dispose of the representation in the manner known to law within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order. As far as the bakery portion is concerned, the fact that the petitioner is continuing in possession is recorded.

6. In view of the above, the writ petition stands disposed of.

Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. No costs.

02-01-2026 Neutral Citation:Yes/No nsl To

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, No. 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment department, Sitharkadu, Mayiladuthurai

3.The Assi