BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 25.03.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI P.Sivasundarapandian ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep.by the Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

2.The Inspector of Police, Palayanur Police Station, Sivagangai District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Idol Wing CID Office, Madurai. ... Respondents PRAYER :-Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to complete the enquiry in C.S.R.No.190 of 2025 dated 18.06.2025 on the file of the 2^nd respondent and to take effective steps to trace and recover the stolen idols of Arulmigu Sri Kottarudaya Aiyanar Temple situated at Keelarangiyam Village, Thiruppuvanam Taluk, Sivagangai District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 17.02.2026 within a time frame fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.T.Antony Arulraj For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar Government Advocate(criminal side)

ORDER

Seeking to complete enquiry in in C.S.R.No.190 of 2025 dated

18.06.2025 on the file of the 2^nd respondent and to take effective steps to trace and recover the stolen idols of Arulmigu Sri Kottarudaya Aiyanar Temple situated at Keelarangiyam Village, Thiruppuvanam Taluk, Sivagangai District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 17.02.2026, this writ petition is filed.

2. The learned Government Advocate(Criminal side) submitted that the case has been transferred to the Idol Wing.

3. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record.

4. In view of the submission made by the learned Government Advocate(crl.side), the Inspector of Police, Idol Wing CID Office, Madurai is suo motu impleaded as 3^rd respondent

5. It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon the respondent to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non- consideration of the representation made by the Statutory Authority would amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking the extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

6. Without going into the merits of the case, this Court directs the 3^rd respondents to consider the petitioner's representation, dated 17.02.2026 and conclude the enquiry within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The 3^rd respondent is directed to appraise the progress of the investigation to the 1^st respondent every Friday. The 1^st respondent is directed to monitor the enquiry conducted by the 3^rd respondent.

7. With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

25.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No gbg To

1.The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

2.The Inspector of Police, Palayanur Police Station, Sivagangai District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Idol Wing CID Office, Madurai.

4.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI,J gbg

25.03.2026