IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 17-02-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Writ Petition No.6524 of 2026 A.Radhakrishnan, S/o T.Arumuga Gounder, 38, Mettur Agraharam, Salem 636 001. .. Petitioner /versus/

1.The Secretary to Government, Tourism Culture and Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.

3.The Chief Engineer, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.

4.The Chief Sthapathi, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.

5.The District Executive Magistrate/District Collector, Salem Town 636 001.

6.The Commissioner of Police, Line Medu, Salem 636 006.

7.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Nethimedu, Salem 636 002.

8.The Fit Person/Chairman Board of Trustee/Administrator, Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Shevapettai, Selam 636 002.

9.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Shevapettai, Salem 636 002.

Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to take adequate and appropriate safety and regulatory measures in connection with the construction and Kumbabishekam, which is schedule to be held on 22.02.2026 in the 9^th respondent temple by considering the petitioner representations dated

12.01.2026, 07.02.2026 and 15.02.2026.

For Petitioner :Mr.R.Marudhachalamurthy For Respondents :Mr.K.Karthikeyan, GA (Hr & CE)

for R1 to R4, R7 to R9 Mr.J.Subbiah, GA(Crl.Side) for R6 Mr.S.Senthilmurugan, Spl.GP for R5 --------

ORDER This writ petition is filed for a Mandamus directing the respondents to take adequate and appropriate safety and regulatory measures in connection with the construction and Kumbabishekam, which is scheduled to be held on 22.02.2026 in the 9^th respondent temple, by considering the petitioner’s representations.

2.Upon perusing the petitioner’s representation, it can be seen that the petitioner has flagged issues, such as, non-completion of construction and not taking enough safety measures and non-regulation of shops in and around the temple.

3. In reply thereto, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondents would submit that as far as the construction is concerned, the same is complete with reference to the sannadhi and all the sanctums. As per the traditions, that is followed in the said temple, some works have to be kept pending and are to be completed only after the kudamuzhukku. Therefore, the outer prakaram laying etc. are kept pending and it will be completed after the kudamuzhukku. All arrangements including safety and cleaning are going on and the kudamuzhukku will be conducted by duly following the procedure and all the arrangements for the safety of the devotees will be made.

4. The said undertaking is recorded. It is made clear that after the kudamuzhukku is over, the work should not be left in lurch. The pending outer praharam work should be completed with due quality. The Heritage Committee shall constitute a sub-committee to inspect the temple two months after the kudamuzhukku ensuring by duly auditing as to whether the amount spent has been properly utilized and whether all the constructions have been properly made and submit a report before the Commissioner (HR and CE). The Commissioner (HR and CE) shall ensure the completion of all the works as originally planned. A copy of the said report shall also be furnished to the petitioner.

5. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

17-02-2026 Neutral Citation:No ari To

1.The Secretary to Government, Tourism Culture and Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034.

3.The Chief Engineer, Hindu Religious and Charit