Mandamus issued directing HR&CE authorities to dispose temple trusteeship applications within stipulated time.

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 15.04.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY C.Subramaniyasamy .. Petitioner – Vs. -

1.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Sivagangai.

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Chennai. .. Respondents [R2 is suo-motu impleaded vide order dated 15.04.2026 in W.P.(MD)No.10008 of 2026]

Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to complete the enquiry and dispose of the petitions dated 28.03.2024 and 03.03.2026, given by the petitioner within a stipulated period of time to be fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Packiya Muthu For Respondents : Mr.M.Sarangan, Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

The Writ Petition is filed for a Mandamus, directing the respondents to complete the enquiry and dispose of the petitions, dated 28.03.2024 and

03.03.2026 submitted by the petitioner within the time stipulated.

2. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner, the petitioner submits that the petitioner is entitled to for hereditary trusteeship as per the scheme framed in respect of the said temple. The petitioner earlier made an application to the first respondent herein, namely, the Joint Commissioner of HR & CE, Sivagangai. Since no positive results were forthcoming, the petitioner thereafter, approached the Commissioner of H.R. & C.E./second respondent, who also forwarded the application to the first respondent and there is no positive response and therefore, the petitioner is before this Court.

3. When the matter came up for admission, the learner Additional Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents, on instructions, would submit that there is a scheme with reference to the said temple. As a matter of fact, applications have to be called for and the persons from the said families having right will be given preference and will be appointed.

Eventhough the call for was made, the appointment was not done and the second respondent had forwarded the matter to the first respondent to conduct an enquiry and submit a report. The first respondent has already conducted an enquiry and submitted a report to the second respondent. If ample time is given, the second respondent will pass orders.

4. In view of the said submissions made by the learned Additional Government Pleader, the second respondent, namely, the Commissioner of H.R. & C.E., Chennai, is directed to pass final orders with reference to the applications of the petitioner dated 28.03.2024 and 03.03.2026 within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a web copy of the order.

5. The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs.