Court can issue supervisory directions for timely completion of sponsored temple works without mandating formal committee where funds are not public.

ORDER

The writ petition has been filed for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to constitute a fresh Thiruppani Committee comprising Ambalakarars, six Karaidharars, and other villagers of Themmavur as its members, and consequently to fix a time frame for completion of the Thiruppani works.

2. According to the learned counsel for the petitioners, the petitioners and the other persons mentioned in the prayer are entitled to administer the temple. In their absence, the fourth respondent has undertaken demolition of the temple for reconstruction; however, the works are not progressing and no pooja or worship is presently being conducted in the temple. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed seeking constitution of a fresh Thiruppani Committee comprising the aforesaid persons.

3. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Additional Government Pleader submitted that a Thiruppani Committee would be constituted only if public donations are collected. In the present case, the entire work is being carried out on a sponsorship basis, and therefore, no contribution from the public is required, and consequently, no Thiruppani Committee has been constituted. It is further submitted that the work is in progress.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the fourth respondent / Executive Officer, by producing a memo, submitted that the renovation works are actively underway. After obtaining necessary approvals from the Regional and State Level Committees, the renovation of the Amman Sannadhi, front mandapam upper floor tiling, south and west compound walls, north and east compound walls, and the outer prakaram flooring are being carried out, and approximately 80% of the work has been completed. It is further stated that the remaining works will be completed within a period of six months, after which Kumbabishegam will be performed in accordance with custom.

5. I have considered the rival submissions made on either side and perused the materials available on record.

6. The prayer seeking constitution of a fresh Thiruppani Committee cannot be accepted, in view of the specific stand taken by the respondents that the construction is being carried out entirely on a donor/sponsorship basis without public contribution, and therefore, constitution of such a committee is not warranted.

7. However, considering the submission that 80% of the work has already been completed and the remaining work will be completed within a period of six months, this Court deems it appropriate to direct the respondents to complete the remaining works within the said time frame. The third respondent / Assistant Commissioner is also directed to periodically inspect the progress of the work and ensure its timely completion.

8. While conducting such inspections, the third respondent shall intimate the first petitioner, as well as the general public, so as to enable them to place their grievances, if any, regarding the progress or otherwise of the work. The third respondent shall, thereafter, issue appropriate directions to the contractors, the Executive Officer, and other concerned authorities to ensure that the work is carried out expeditiously and completed within the stipulated period of six months.

9. With the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.