IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 10-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI R.Mahendiran ..Petitioner(s)

Vs

1. The Commissioner Hindu Religious and charitable Endowments Department (HR and CE)

Nungambakkam High Road Chennai-600 034

2. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and charitable Endowment Department Erode Division, Erode District

3. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and charitable Endowment Department Erode, Erode District

4. The District collector Erode District colllectorate Erode-638 011

5. The Revenue Divisional officer Erode Revenue Division, Erode District

6. The Tahsildar Erode Taluk, Erode District

7. The Village Administrative officer Thindal (Mel)village Erode Taluk, Erode District ..Respondent(s)

This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1 to 3 respondents to consider and pass appropriate orders on the petitioners representation dated 5.1.2026 and to take immediate action for proper administration and functioning of Sri Sandhi Mariamman Temple in accordance with law.

For Petitioner(s): Mr.B.Manibharathi For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Murthi, GA RR4 to 7 Mr.K.Karthikeyan, GA RR1 to 3

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 1 to 3 respondents to consider and pass appropriate orders on the petitioners representation dated 5.1.2026 and to take immediate action for proper administration and functioning of Sri Sandhi Mariamman Temple in accordance with law.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that the temple in question is an ancient village public temple surrounding areas of Thindal Village. Serious disputes arose between two groups of villagers around the year 2018 relating to temple administration, financial management and conduct of temple festivals which resulted in law and order issues. Thereby, the revenue authorities sealed the temple on 25.04.2018. Aggrieved by the closure of the temple, one of the devotees approached this Court seeking reopening of the temple and restoration of worship rights. This Court also permitted to reopen the said temple. Pursuant to the order, temple was reopened and conducted daily poojas. In the meanwhile, the villagers submitted a representation to the respondents requesting permission to conduct daily poojas and annual temple festivals through newly constituted committee. Acting upon these representations, the Tahsildar conducted enquiry proceeding on 24.12.2025 and 26.12.2025 in which, both the parties appeared and agreed for peaceful conduct of worship and festivals. Consequently, proceedings dated 29.12.2025 were issued by the Tahsildar recording the history of disputes, acknowledging the compromise reached between the parties recognising the temple as a common village temple worshipped by hundreds of families, and granted permission for conducting poojas and festivals through selected temple administrator. In order to resolve the issue permenantly, the petitioner and village devotees submitted a detailed representation on 05.01.2026 before the HR & CE requesting the authorities to regularise administration and enable proper conduct of temple festivals and maintenance activities in the interest of the devotees. However, no order has been passed so far. Hence, the present writ petition.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that this Court may direct the respondents to consider and pass orders on the petitioners representation within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

4. The learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the representation will be considered and orders will be passed within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

5. Heard the learned counsel for both side and perused the materials available on record.

6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and in view of the limited request sought for by the petitioner, this court directs the third respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitio