Court permits temple renovation works under supervision after law and order issues resolved, balancing permissions with public tranquility.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 20.04.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI And W.M.P.No.13287 of 2026 B.V.B.Madhavaraj ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE), Kottai Mariyammankoil Compound, Salem – 1.

2.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE), Kottai Mariyammankoil Compound, Salem – 1.

3.The Fit Person / Executive Officer, Arulmigu Veereshwaraswamy Temple, Office at Arulmigu Vennankodi Muniappan Temple, Jagir Ammapalayam, Salem. ... Respondents Prayer:

Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to forthwith permit the petitioner and others to execute the work orders issued by the third respondent in ITMS 5088 dated 17.12.2025 (2 gopuram work orders) by taking appropriate action against the resistance / obstruction caused in carrying out the Renovation work after performing Balalayam in Arulmighu Veereshwaraswamy Temple, Amarakunthi Village, Omalur Taluk, Salem District.

For Petitioner : Mr.P.Saravana Sowmiyan For Respondents : Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan Special Government Pleader

O R D E R

The petitioner has filed this writ petition seeking issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to forthwith permit the petitioner and others to execute the work orders issued by the third respondent in ITMS 5088 dated 17.12.2025 (2 gopuram work orders) by taking appropriate action against the resistance / obstruction caused in carrying out the renovation work after performing Balalayam in Arulmighu Veereshwaraswamy Temple, Amarakunthi Village, Omalur Taluk, Salem District.

2.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that Arulmigu Veereshwaraswamy Temple situated in Amarakunthi Village, Omalur Taluk, Salem District is 1,500 years old and is governed by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act. At present the third respondent was appointed to administer the Temple. The petitioner along with others made representation to the first respondent requesting to grant permission to carry out the Temple renovation and repair works namely painting of main shrine and mandapan, Kannimoola Ganapathi Sannadhi work etc., to conduct Kumbabishekam and the first respondent vide proceedings dated 09.12.2025 granted permission to carry out the aforesaid works along with other works and the third respondent vide proceedings dated 17.12.2025 granted four work orders to the petitioner and others, however, the third respondent orally prevented the petitioner to carry out the said works.

3.The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that the petitioner and others were given work orders for carrying out the Temple renovation and repair works namely painting of main shrine and mandapan, Kannimoola Ganapathi Sannadhi work etc., however, the petitioner removed the cement Nanthi statue which created law and order problem leading to complaint before the law enforcing agency and the law enforcing agency conducted peace committee meeting. If the petitioner and others carry out the work without affecting any of the statutes, then they will be permitted to carry out the works. Hence, this Court may issue direction to Revenue Divisional Officer and law enforcing agency to permit the petitioner and others to carry out the renovation work with the supervision of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

4.The petitioner and others were granted permission to carry out the Temple renovation and repair works namely painting of main shrine and mandapan, Kannimoola Ganapathi Sannadhi work etc.,