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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 22935
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
T.V.THAMILSELVI, J
Amirtha Valli Udanurai Athisvarar Koil Rep. by its Devottee, D.Sukumar – Appellant
Versus
The District Collector District Collector Office, Thiruvannamalai – Respondent
CMP NO. 6523 OF 2026 | CRP No. 1337 of 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: G.Mutharasu, S. Abi, V. Natarajan
For the Respondents:Formal objection by respondents
Worshippers have the locus standi to file lawsuits on behalf of a temple.
Headnote:The Court considered the locus standi of a worshipper of a temple in bringing forth a suit on behalf of the Temple. It was noted that the Trial Court returned the suit erroneously, failing to recognize the legal premise established in a prior case (W.P No. 50061 of 2025) which affirmed that such worshippers have the right to file suit. After reviewing the petitioner’s claims, the order returning the original suit in OS SR No. 47 of 2026 was set aside, directing the Subordinate Court to accept the suit within two weeks. The petition was allowed without costs.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. jurisdiction to number original suit (Para 1) |
| 2. right to sue on behalf of the temple (Para 2 , 3) |
| 3. trial court's failure to recognize locus standi (Para 5) |
ORDER
This Civil Revision Petition has been filed seeking to number an original suit in OS Sr No.47 of 2026 on the file of Subordinate Court, Arani, Tiruvanamalai District and to set aside the order returning the original suit in OS SR No.47 of 2026 dated 18.02.2026.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that as a worshipper of Amirtha Valli Udanurai Athisvarar Temple, the petitioner is entitled to prefer the suit. But the Trial Court without appreciating the legal proposition erroneously returned the suit filed by the petitioner stating that the petitioner has no locus standi to file the suit. Further, he pointed out that the petitioner has preferred W.P No. 50061 of 2025 against Government Officials with regard to putting up panchayat building in the Temple property, wherein this Court observed that worshipper has locus standi to come before the court to make a plea. Hence, he prays to allow this petition.
3. The learned counsel for the respondents raised formal objection to this petition.
4. Heard both sides.
5. On perusal of records, it is seen that in W.P No. 50061 of 2025, this court observed that worshipper is entitled to make a plea for and on behalf of the Temple but the Trial Court failed to take the case on file. Hence, the order dated 18.02.2026 returned in OS SR No. 47 of 2026 is hereby set aside. The Subordinate Court, Arani, Tiruvannamalai District is directed to take OS SR No. 47 of 2026 on file within a period of two weeks. Further, the Registry is directed to return the original case paper to the petitioner. Accordingly, this Civil Revision Petition is allowed. No Costs. Pending petition, if any, is/are closed.
