Writ court cannot direct revenue authorities for temple renovation without prior civil declaration of private status or HR&CE permission.

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 08.04.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY W.P(MD)No.9487 of 2026 Selvam ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sattur, Virudhunagar District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Taluk Office, Sattur, Virudhunagar District.

4.Subburaj ...Respondents Writ Petitions are filed under article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2^nd respondent to give permission for renovation of temple namely Arulmigu Sri Udhiramada Ayyanar Temple situated at Thottilovanpatti Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District, based on the petitioner's representation dated

27.01.2026.

For Petitioner :Mr.S.Muniyandi For R1 & R2 :Mr.M.Lingadurai Special Government Pleader For R3 :Mr.K.Gnanasekaran, Government Advocate(Crl.side)

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing this second respondent to give permission for the renovation of the temple namely Udhiramada Ayyanar Temple situated at Thottilovanpatti Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District, based on the petitioner's representation dated

27.01.2026.

2.Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and perusing the representation, it can be seen that the petitioner is claiming exclusive rights over the temple by projecting it as a private temple.

3.According to the learned Special Government Pleader, if it is a private temple, then the petitioner has to approach the civil Court and get a declaration to the said effect.

4.On the other hand, some of the averments in the representation goes on the footing that traditionally the petitioner and the other members of their trust and association have been doing the pooja and other practices in the temple. If that is so, they have to approach the HR&CE authorities who are granting permission for renovation / rebuilding of the temple. Already detailed directions has also been issued by the Division Bench of this Court to approach the District Committee and the State Level Committee and only after obtaining the due permissions, any renovation of the temple can be undertaken.

5.In view of the above, the prayer in the writ petition to direct the revenue divisional officer to grant permission cannot be countenanced and as such, the writ petition is disposed of by keeping open the liberty of the petitioner to either approach the civil Court or the HR&CE authorities for the said purpose. No costs.