BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :08.01.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER C.Selvakumar ... Petitioner(s)

Vs.

1. The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai 625 020.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thirumangalam Revenue Division, Thirumangalam, Madurai District.

3. The Thasildar, Thirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District. ... Respondent(s)

PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to cancel their temple lands, situated at Survey No. 55/2, Keezha Urappanur Village Bit I, Survey No. 85, Keezha Urappanur Village Bit II, Thirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District which is categorized as government land now and subsequently, directing the third respondent herein to register the said in the temple land category, as before and issue the patta in the name of the petitioner's trust based on the petitioner representation dated 15.04.2024 made before the first respondent.

For Petitioner : M/s.N.Murugesan For Respondents :Mr.D.Sadiq Raja Addl. Government Pleader for R1 to R3

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a writ of mandamus, directing the first respondent to cancel the categorization of their temple lands, situated at Survey No. 55/2, Keezha Urappanur Village Bit I, and Survey No. 85, Keezha Urappanur Village Bit II, Thirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District, which are currently categorized as government land. Subsequently, the petitioner seeks a direction to the third respondent to reclassify the said lands as temple land, as before and issue the patta in the name of the petitioner’s trust, based on the petitioner’s representation dated 15.04.2024 submitted to the first respondent.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties.

3. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Additional Government Pleader, appearing for the respondents, submitted that the second respondent would conduct and conclude the inquiry on the petitioner’s representation dated 15.04.2024, after issuing notice to the petitioner and all other necessary parties. The second respondent would then pass appropriate orders in accordance with the law, within the time frame stipulated by this Court.

4. In view of the above submissions, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the second respondent/Revenue Divisional Officer to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 15.04.2024 on merits and in accordance with law and to pass appropriate orders within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. The representation shall be considered and disposed of after conducting an inquiry. The second respondent is further directed to afford a reasonable opportunity to the petitioner and to all other persons who may be affected by such decision during the course of the inquiry. In the event of any rival claims, the same can be agitated before the competent civil court. There shall be no order as to costs.

(K.SURENDER, J)

08.01.2026 NCC :Yes/No Internet :Yes/No Index :Yes/No PKN To

1. The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai 625 020.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thirumangalam Revenue Division, Thirumangalam, Madurai District.

3. The Thasildar, Thirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District.

K.SURENDER, J.

PKN

08.01.2026