W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 31.07.2025 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 and W.M.P.(MD) Nos.14194, 14195 and 14197 of 2025 Marimuthu ... Petitioner /vs./ 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034. 2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, H 306 TNHB Colony, Ellis Nagar, Madurai. 3.The Executive Officer/Assistant commissioner, Arulmighu Mariamman Thirukovil, Irukkangudi, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District. 4.J.Gurusamy 1/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 5.S.R.M.Ramamurthi Poosari 6.Guruva Raj 7.Solaiyappan 8.Krishnasamy 9.Anandhaprasath (R6 to R8 have been impleaded vide order dated 24.07.2025 and R9 has been impleaded vide order dated 31.07.2025) ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned proceedings in OA.No.13 of 2024, dated 28.03.2025 passed by the 2nd respondent herein and quash the same and consequently direct the 2nd respondent herein pass an fresh order by adding all stake holders including the petitioner as parties and by providing an opportunity of personal hearing. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Ananda Raj for Mr.S.Vishnuvardhan For R1 & R2 : Mr.SS.Madhavan Additional Government Pleader For R3 : Mr.S.Manohar standing counsel 2/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 For R4 : Mr.J.Barathan for M/S.Ajmal Associates For R5 : Mr.N.Dilip Kumar For R6 to R8 : Mr.S.Vellaichamy for For R9 : Mr.V.Meenakshi Sundaram for Mr.C.Venkatesh ORDER The petitioner is before this Court against the impugned order, dated 28.03.2025 passed in O.A.No.13 of 2024. 2. By the impugned order, the prayer of the fourth respondent, who is an applicant in O.A.No.13 of 2024, has been partly recognized, by recognizing the rights in the subject temple, namely, Arulmighu Mariamman Thirukovil, Irukkangudi, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District. 3. Operative portion of the impugned order recognizing the rights of the members belonging to the fourth respondent community reads as under:- “43. Nkw;fz;l fhuzq;fspd; mbg;gilapy;> kDj;jpUf;Nfhapypy; eilngWk; Mbj;jpUtpohtpy;> Mb filrp nts;spf;F Ke;ija nts;spf;fpoik nfhbNaw;W itgtj;jpw;F> jpUf;Nfhapy; epu;thfj;jpd; %yk; ,Uf;fd;Fb 3/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 fpof;Fj; njU ehl;lhik kw;Wk; xd;gJ FLk;GfSf;F jpUtpoh miog;gpjo; toq;FtjhYk;> Nkw;gb nfhbNaw;w epfo;tpy; ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;Fj; njU ehl;lhik kw;Wk; jiytUf;F kupahij mspf;fg;gLtjhYk;> md;iwa jpdk; jpUf;Nfhapypy; Ntg;gpiy nfhb fl;bl G+i[ nghUl;fs; kw;Wk; Ntg;gpiy nfhbia g+i[g; ngl;bahd Xiyg; ngl;bapy; itj;J> nrz;lh> Fil nfhb. tpUJ kw;Wk; Nkyjhsq;fSld; tUtjhYk;> jpUf;Nfhapy; epu;thfj;jpypUe;J 21 Njq;fha;fs; (nfhbg;gl;lf;fha;) ngw;W mu;j;j kz;lgj;jpy; tpehafu; rpiy tiu nry;tjhYk;> G+i[ nghUl;fs; Ntg;gpiyf; nfhbAld; $ba Xiyg;ngl;bia mk;kd; ghjj;jpy; itj;J g+i[ nra;J Ntg;gpiyf; nfhb fl;b tUtJ kDjhuu; jug;G rhd;whtzk; vz;. 3> 4> 5> 6> 10> 11> 12> 13 kw;Wk; 14d; %yk; ep&gzkhtjhYk;> ,Uf;fz;Fb> fpof;Fj; njU kf;fs; mspf;Fk; gl;lhiliaj;jhd; nfhbNaw;wj;jd;W mk;kDf;F rhj;jg;gLtJ kDjhuu; jug;G rhd;whtzk; vz;.9 kw;Wk; kDjhuu; jug;G rhl;rp 1I vjpu;kDjhuu; jug;gpy; FWf;F tprhuizapd; NghJ mspj;Js;s tpsf;fj;jpd; mbg;gilapy; njupatUtjhYk;> Ntg;gpiy nfhbfl;Lk; epfo;tpy;> khiy kupahij> guptl;l kupahij Njq;fha; go tpG+jp kupahij ngWtJ cw;rtu; mk;kd; Gwg;ghl;bd;NghJ cw;rtu; mk;kDf;F mgpN\fk; myq;fhuk; nra;J Gwg;gl jahuhf cs;sJ vd;W jpUf;Nfhtpy; epu;thfj;jpd; %yk; Cu; kj;jpapy; cs;s ];uP ngUkhs; Nfhapypy; itj;J jfty; njuptpg;gJ Gwg;ghl;bd;NghJ khiy kupahij ngWtJ ,ju Ch;fspd; jpUf;fz; guk;giu mwq;fhtyu; FOj;jiytu;> mwq;fhtyu;fs; kw;Wk; G+rhupfspd; jpUf;fz;zpw;F nrd;W jpUf;Nfhapy; fpof;F thry; topahf cw;rt mk;kd; nry;ifapy; ntspg;gpufhuj;ij Rw;wp tUk;NghJ ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;Fj; njU kf;fspd; jpUf;fz;zpy; gjpide;J epkplq;fs; juprdj;jpw;f;F epWj;jg;gLtJ> gpd;du; jiythry; topahf nfhY kz;lgk; nrd;W nghJkf;fs; juprdj;jpw;F itf;fg;gl;L gpd;du; kWehs; nfhY kz;lgj;jpYUe;J cw;rt mk;kd; jiythry; topahf ntspNa nry;Yifapy;> ntspg;gpufhuj;ij Rw;wp tUk;NghJ ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;Fj; njU kf;fspd; jpUf;fz;zpy; epWj;jp Njq;fha; gok; 4/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 cilf;fg;gLtJ> mjd;gpd;du; ,ju Cu;fspd; jpUf;fz; guk;giu mwq;fhtyu; FOj;jiytu;> mwq;fhtyu;fs; kw;Wk; g+rhupfs; tPLfspy; cs;s jpUf;fz;zpw;F nry;tJ> cw;rtu; rd;djp nrd;W rg;guj;ij ,wf;fp itj;jTld; khiy kupahijfs; ngWtJ> kDjhuu; jug;G rhd;whtzk; vz;.19> 23> 25> 26> 27> 30 kw;Wk; 31 Mfpa Mtzq;fs; kw;Wk; vjpu;kDjhuu; jug;G rhl;rp 1I kDjhuu; jug;gpy; FWf;F tprhuizapd;NghJ mspj;Js;s tptuq;fspd; mbg;gilapy; ep&gzkhtjhYk;> 2022 Mk; Mz;L ,Uf;fz;Fb fpuhk ehl;lhikf;F guptl;lk; fl;baij njhlu;e;J ej;jj;Jg;gl;b fpuhkj;jpdh; Ml;Nrgiz nra;jjhy; ,Uf;fz;Fb fpuhk ehl;lhik jug;gpy; rku;gpj;j Mtzj;jpd; mbg;gilapy; 2022y; guptl;lk; ngw;Ws;sjhYk;> 2023-y; cau;ePjpkd;w cj;jutpd;gb guptl;lk; ngw;Ws;sjhYk; 2024y; ,k;kD tprhuiz epYitapy; ,Uf;ifapy;> ,iz Mizau; cj;juTg;gb guptl;lk; ngw;Ws;sjhYk;> 2022 Mk; Mz;L kDjhuUf;F guptl;lk; fl;bajw;f;F Ml;Nrgid njuptpj;jNghJk;> kDjhuu; jug;G rhd;whtzk; vz;.2y; cs;s cau;ePjpkd;w jPu;g;G gj;jp vz;.4 kw;Wk; kDjhuu; jug;G rhd;whtzk; vz; 19y; gj;jp vz;.16y; njuptpj;jthW ,Uf;fz;Fb. fpuhk ehl;lhik rku;g;gpj;j tPbNah Mtzk; njhlu;ghf vjpu;kDjhuu; jug;gpy; vt;tpj eltbf;iffSk; vLf;fhjjhy; Nkw;gb Mtzk; NghypahdJ my;y cz;ikahdJ vd fUj Ntz;bAs;sjhYk;> jpUtpoh njhlu;ghd rkhjhdf;$l;l eltbf;iffspy; vjpu;kDjhuuhd jpUf;Nfhapy; cjtp Mizau;/nray; mYtyu; kw;Wk; guk;giu mwq;fhtyu;fs; fye;J nfhz;Ls;sjhYk;> Nkw;gb rkhjhd$l;l eltbf;ifapy;> tPbNah Mtzk; NghypahJ vd;Nwh my;yJ Kd;tof;fk; kw;Wk; kuGg;gb guptl;l kupahij ,y;iy vd;Nwh rkhjhdf; $l;lj;jpy; jq;fsJ Ml;Nrgidfis gjpT nra;atpy;iy vd;gjhYk;> ej;jj;Jg;gb kw;Wk; Nf.Nkl;Lg;gl;b Cuhl;rpfs; rhu;g;gpy; Mbj;jpUtpohtpy; Kjy; kupahij jq;fSf;Fj; jhd; Ntz;Lnkd Fwpg;gpl;L jhf;fy; nra;j 1A.No. 27/2024 kw;Wk; IA.No.28/2024 kZ tprhuizf;Fg; gpd;du; kDthdJ kDj;jpUf;Nfhapypy; Kjy;kupahij Ntz;b jhf;fy; nra;atpy;iy vd;gjhYk;> ,ilepiy kDjhuuhy; jq;fsJ cupik njhu;ghf jdpahf kDj;jhf;fy; nra;a 5/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 toptif cs;sJ vd;gjhy; js;Sgb nra;ag;gl;l cj;juit Ml;Nrgpj;J Nky;KiwaPL VJk; jhf;fy; nra;atpy;iy vd;gjhYk;> kDjhuu; jug;G rhl;rp 1 Kjy; 3 tiuapyhd rhl;rpfis vjpu;kDjhuu; jug;gpy; FWf;F tprhuizapy; mspj;Js;s tpsf;fj;jpd; mbg;gilapYk;> vjpu;kDjhuu; jug;G rhl;rp 1-I kDjhuu; jug;gpy; FWf;F tprhuizapy; Nkw;fz;l jpUtpoh eilKiwfs; kuG top eilngWk; jpUtpoh vd;W nrhd;dhy; rupjhd; vd;Wk;> mjdhy; jhd; jpUf;Nfhapypy; Mtz uPjpapy; Mtzg;gLj;jtpy;iy vd;W nrhd;dhy; rupjhd; vd;Wk;> kDjhuu; jhf;fy; nra;j Mtzj;jpd; %yk; Mbj;jpUtpohtpd; NghJ ngwf;$ba ghuk;gupa gof;f tof;fg;gbahd kupahij kw;Wk; gq;Fdp filrp nts;spf;fpoik ngwf;$ba kupahij fpilf;ff;$baJ vd;W nrhd;dhy; rupjhd; vd;W tpguk; njuptpj;Js;sjhYk;> kDjhuu; jug;gpy; rku;gpj;j rhd;whtzk; vz;.1 Kjy; 34 tiuapyhd Mtzq;fspy; rhd;whtzk; vz;.33 kw;Wk; 34 jtpu ,ju Mtzq;fs; midj;Jk; jpUtpoh njhlu;Gilajhf cs;sjhYk;> kDjhuu; jug;G rhd;whtzk; vz;.7> 8> 24 kw;Wk; 19y; gj;jp vz;.16y; cs;s Mtzq;fs; kw;Wk; kDjhuu; jug;G rhl;rp 1 kw;Wk; vjpu;kDjhuu; jug;G rhl;rp 1 MfpNahu;fs; FWf;F tprhuizapy; mspj;Js;s tpsf;fj;jpd; %yk; Mbj;jpUtpohtpy; khiy kupahij kw;Wk; guptl;l kupahijAk;> gq;Fdp nghq;fy; jpUtpohtpy; khiy kupahijAk;> Kd; tof;fk; kw;Wk; kuGg;gb ngw;W tUtJ fhj;j jp&gzzkhtjhYk;> Nkw;gb jpUtpohtpy; Ie;J Cu; Kf;fpa];ju;fSf;F miog;gpjo; toq;Fjy;> nfhbNaw;wk; kupahij toq;Fjy;> Njq;fha; gpurhjk; toq;Fjy;> nfhbgl;l fha; toq;Fjy;> nfhbNaw;wj;jd;W ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;F njU kf;fs; toq;Fk; gl;lhilapid mk;kDf;F rhj;Jjy; ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;Fj;njU kf;fspd; jpUf;fz;zpw;F nrd;W 15 epkplk; cw;rth; mk;kd; ,Ue;J tUjy;> cw;rtu; mk;kd; Gwg;ghL kw;Wk; nfhbNaw;wk; epfo;tpy; nrz;l nfhb> Fil> tpUJ Nghd;w Nks jhsq;fSld; fpuhk ehl;lhik jiyikapy; tUjy;> cw;rtu; mk;kd; Gwg;ghl;by; KuR vOg;Gjy;> guk;giu mwq;fhtyh; FO jiytu;> mwq;fhtyu;fs;> G+rhupfs; tPLfspy; cs;s jpUf;fz;zpw;F nry;Yjy; Nghd;w ve;j epfo;TfSf;Fk; vjpu;kDjhuuhd 6/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 jpUf;Nfhapy; jug;gpy; Mtzq;fs; VJk; ,y;yhj NghJk;> Kd;tof;fk; kw;Wk; kuGg;gbAk;. gof;ftof;fg;gbAk; miog;gpjo;fs; kw;Wk; rkhjhdf;$l;lj;jpy; epiwNtw;wg;gl;l jPu;khzq;fs; kw;Wk; vjpu;kDjug;G rhl;rp 1 Mdtu; mspj;Js;s tpsf;fj;jpd; %yk; Nkw;gb eilKiwfs; njhlu;e;J eilngw;W tUtJ ep&gpf;fg;gl;Ls;sjhYk;> khz;gik nrd;id cau;ePjpkd;w kJiu fpis W.P.(MD) No.10709/2021 tof;fpy; 29.06.2021; gpwg;gpj;j cj;jutpy;> jpUf;Nfhapypy; ,iwtd; Kd;G midtUk; rkk; vd;Wk;> rpwg;G kupahij ahUf;Fk; ,y;iy vd;W gpwg;gpj;j cj;juT kw;Wk; ,e;J rka mwepiyr;rl;lk; rl;lg;gpupT 106y; gpurhjk; my;yJ jPu;j;jq;fs; toq;Ftjpy; Ntw;Wik fhl;Ljy; $lhJ vd;gJ kDf;Nfhapypy; Kd;tof;fk; kw;Wk; kuGg;gb eilngWk; jpUtpoh eilKiwf;F nghUe;Jtjhf ,y;iy vd;gjhYk;> mu;j;j kz;lgj;jpw;Fs; G+rhup> guprhufu; kw;Wk; XJthu; kl;LNk nry;y toptif cs;s epiyapy;> kDj;jpUf;Nfhapypy; Kd;tof;fk; kw;Wk; kuGg;gbAk; gof;f tof;fg;gbAk; Mbj;jpUtpoh nfhbNaw;wj;jd;W G+i[g; nghUl;fs; kw;Wk; Ntg;gpiyf; nfhbAld; $ba G+i[g; ngl;bahd Xiyg;ngl;bia nfhbgl;lf;fha; ngw;W %y];jhdj;jpy; cs;s mk;kd; ghjj;jpy; itj;J g+i[ nra;Ak; epfo;tpw;F tUlj;jpy; xUehs; kl;Lk; ,Uf;fz;Fb> fpof;Fj;njU ehl;lhik (Cu; FLk;gk;) kw;Wk; jiytu; MfpNahu;fs;> g+rhupfs;> guprhufh; kw;Wk; XJthu; kl;LNk nry;yf;$ba jpUf;Nfhapy; mu;j;j kz;lgj;jpw;Fs; tpehafu; rpiy tiu nry;tjhYk;> fUtiwapy; mk;kd; ghjj;jpy;> itj;J g+i[ nra;J jpUf;Nfhapy; jiythry; Kd;G Ntg;gpiy nfhb fl;b tUtjhYk; nfhbNaw;wj;jd;W ,Uf;fz;Fb> fpof;Fj;njU kf;fs; mspf;Fk; gl;lhiliajhd; md;iwa jpdk; mk;kDf;F rhj;Jgb nra;J mzptpg;gjhYk; gq;Fdpg;nghq;fy; jpUtpohtpy; jpUf;Nfhapy; eil rhj;jpagpwF ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;Fj;njU kf;fSf;fhf kPz;Lk; eL ,utpy; eiljpwe;J gq;Fdpg; nghq;fYf;F gbmuprp G+rhupaplk; toq;fp jpUf;Nfhapy; G+rhupahy; nghq;fy; ghidf;F jPghuhjiz fhz;gpj;J tpG+jp gpurhjk; toq;FtJ Kd;tof;fk; kw;Wk; kuGg;gb njhlu;e;J eilKiwapy; cs;sJ> gpw jpUf;Nfhapy; 7/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 jpUtpohf;fspy; Ngzg;gLk; eilKiwfspy; ,y;yhj xU rpwg;gpd epfo;thf cs;sjhYk;> kDf;Nfhapypy; kDjhuu; Kjy;kupahij Ntz;ltpy;iy vd;gjhYk;> gpw fpuhkq;fSf;F toq;Fk; kupahijiaAk; Nfhutpy;iy vd;gjhYk;> kDf;Nfhapypy; eilngWk; jpUtpohtpy;> ,Uf;fz;Fb fpuhk fpof;Fj;njU kf;fs; mspf;Fk; gq;fspg;gpw;fhf ngwf;$ba kupahijfis Kd;tof;fg;gb kw;Wk; kug;Gg;gb> njhlu;e;J ngw;W tUtJ kDjhuu; jhg;G Mtzq;fspd; %yk; ep&gpf;fg;gl;Ls;sjhYk;> kDj;jpUf;Nfhapypy; eilngWk; Mbj;jpUtpoh nfhbNaw;wj; jpdj;jd;W Ntg;gpiy nfhb jpUf;Nfhapy; jiythry; Kd;G fl;lg;gLk; epfo;tpy;> ,Uf;fz;Fb> fpof;Fj;njU. kf;fspd; xd;gJ FLk;Gfshy; Nju;T nra;Ak; ehl;lhikf;F (Cu; FLk;gk;) khiy kupahij kw;Wk; t];jpu kupahij (guptl;lk;) Njq;fha; gok;> tpG+jp kupahij ngWk; cupikAk;> gq;Fdpj; jpUtpohtpy; khiy kupahij ngWk; cupikAk;. Kd;tof;fk; kw;Wk; kuGg;gb fpilf;fj;jf;fJ vd jPu;T fz;L ,k;kD mDkjpj;J cj;jutplg;gLfpwJ.” 4. The prayer of the fourth respondent on behalf of the 9 different sub sects of Devendrakula Velalar in O.A.No.13 of 2024 reads as under:- “MfNt rKfk; Nfhu;l;lhu; mtu;fs; fpUig nra;J mUs;kpF khupak;kd; jpUf;Nfhtpypd; Mb gpuNkhw;rt jpUtpohtpy; ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;FnjU NjNte;jpu Fy xd;gJ FLk;gdhu; tifawhtpdu; Vf kdjhf Nju;T nra;Ak; Cu; FLk;gdhUf;F (ehl;lhikf;F) ghuk;gupa gof;f tof;fg;gb khiy mzptpj;J guptl;lk; fl;b khiy kupahijAk; Njq;fha;> gok;> tpG+fp kupahij ngwTk;> jpUf;Nfhapypd; gq;Fdp nghq;fy; jpUtpoh> rpj;jpiu Kjy; ehs; nghd; Vu; G+l;Lk; jpUtpoh kw;Wk; fhu;j;jpif filrp nts;spf;fpoik ,Uf;fz;Fb fpof;FnjU NjNte;jpu Fy 8/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 Ntshsu; xd;gJ FLk;gdhu; tifawhtpdu; Vf kdjhf Nju;T nra;Ak; Cu; FLk;gdhUf;F (ehl;lhikf;F) ghuk;gupa gof;f tof;fg;gb khiy mzptpj;J kupahij ngw cupik cilatu; vd;W tpsk;Gif cj;juT gpwg;gpf;f Ntz;Lkha; tzf;fkha;g; gpuhu;j;jpf;fg;gLfpwJ.” 5. O.A.No.13 of 2024 was filed by the fourth respondent espousing the interest of the members of the 9 different sub sects from in and around the Irukkangudi village pursuant to the liberty granted by this Court in W.P.(MD) No. 18957 of 2023 filed by the fourth respondent, which came to be ordered on 03.08.2023. This was in the background of the similar festival that was to be held during August, 2023. 6. Operative portion of the order of this Court, dated 03.08.2023 in W.P. (MD) No.18957 of 2023 reads as under:- “5. In the meanwhile in order to conduct the function in a peaceful manner for the year 2023, this Court directs the petitioner shall give Pooja Articles along with Garlands and Parivattam cloth to the temple, thereafter, the same will be handed over to the petitioner and then the petitioner can tie the Parivattam on his own. This order is granted only for the year 2023 function alone. It is made clear that this cannot be shown to claim any rights in future. 6. In the meanwhile, the petitioner shall submits an application under Section 63-E of the HR & CE Act before the Joint 9/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 Commissioner, HR & CE and he shall consider the said petition and ascertain the customary rights of the petitioner and dispose of the petition within a period of three months from the date of filing of the petition. 7. This order cannot be cited as a precedent for the next year and for any years in future. With these observations and directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.” 7. The said writ petition was filed by the fourth respondent herein for the following relief:- “Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorari, to call for the records relating to the peace committee proceedings in Na.Ka.No.A1/3420/2023 dated 01.08.2023 passed by the second respondent and quash the same as illegal.” 8. In the background of filing of the said writ petition itself was a peace committee meeting held by the Revenue Divisional Officer on 01.08.2023, wherein, about 25 persons have participated, which included the fourth respondent herein (the applicant in O.A.No.13 of 2024). In the aforesaid peace committee meeting conducted in the presence of the Revenue Divisional Officer, it was agreed as under:- 10/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 “28.07.2023 md;W eilngw;w $l;lj;jpy; vLf;fg;gl;l jPu;khdj;jpd; njhlu;r;rpahf ,Uf;fz;Fb NjNte;jpuFy Ntshsu; r%fj;jpdu; Ntg;gpiyf; nfhb fl;Lk; tpoh ehshd 04.08.2023 md;W r%fj;jiytu; (ehl;lhik)-f;F guptl;lk; fl;b kupahij nrYj;j Ntz;Lk; vd;w Nfhupf;ifapd; mbg;gilapy; eilngw;w ,g;Ngr;Rthu;j;ijapy;> nrd;id cau;ePjpkd;w MizfSf;fpzq;f muR Nfhtpy;fspy; ahUf;Fk; guptl;lk; fl;Ltjw;F mDkjp fpilahJ vd cj;juT toq;fg;gl;Ls;sjhy;> ahUf;Fk; guptl;lk; fl;Lk; epfo;Tf;F mDkjp fpilahJ vd ,f; $l;lj;jpy; Vfkdjhf jpu;khzpf;fg;gl;lJ. ,jw;F Kd;G Mb filrp nts;sp jpUtpoh itgtk; eilngw;w midj;J eilKiwfshd 28.07.2023 md;W $l;lj;jpy; jPu;khzpf;fg;gl;l jPu;khdk; mbg;gilapy; Nfhtpy; jpUtpoh mikjpahfTk;> rl;lk; xOq;F gpur;rpid VJkpd;wp R%fkhf elj;j Ie;J Cu; rhu;ghf Vfkdjhf jPu;khzpf;fg;gl;lJ.” 9. The order of the peace committee meeting seems to indicate that there was no scope for any first honors to be conferred in any of the temple, in the light of the commotion and the rival claim for first honors in the temple during the temple festival during the Tamil Months of rpj;jpiu, Mb, fhh;j;jpif and gq;Fdp. 10. The petitioner herein has questioned the impugned order primarily on the ground that there is a gross violation of principles of natural justice, as the 11/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 order in W.P.(MD) No.18957 of 2023 was secured by the fourth respondent behind the back of any of the respondents herein, who were the parties to the peace committee meeting before the Revenue Divisional Officer on 01.08.2023. 11. It is submitted that even in the proceedings before the second respondent in O.A.No.13 of 2024, the petitioner herein, whose name was included along with the 25 persons' names in the aforesaid Minutes of the peace committee meeting in the presence of the Revenue Divisional Officer, dated 01.08.2023, were not impleaded. 12. Further, it is the case of the petitioner that there were attempts made by atleast two persons in I.A.Nos.27 and 28 of 2024 to implead themselves ie., from Nathathupatti villager and K.Mettu Patti Panchayat, which was rejected by the Joint Commissioner, vide order dated 16.10.2024, stating that the Joint Commissioner was directed to dispose of the application filed under Section 63(e) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, (herein after referred to as Act) within a period of three months, vide order dated 03.08.2023 and that the persons, who filed I.A.Nos.27 and 28 of 2024, were not 12/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 the parties to the proceedings before the Writ Court and that they were entitled to file a separate application for separate relief in terms of the aforesaid order. 13. The applications were rejected on the ground that the attempt was to derail the enquiry that had commenced in O.A.No.13 of 2024. 14. It is further submitted by the learned counsel for the fifth respondent/the hereditary trustee that there is no customary practise of conferring any first honors on any person. Specifically, it is submitted that there is no question of any guptl;lk; (Wrapping of Turban) and no first honors in the temple and that the order has been secured behind the back of the fifth respondent herein. It is therefore submitted that the impugned order is liable to be quashed. 15. Defending the impugned order, the learned counsel for the fourth respondent, the applicant in O.A.No.13 of 2024, would submit that the application was filed strictly in accordance with the orders passed by this Court in W.P.(MD) No.18957 of 2023, dated 03.08.2023. 13/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 16. Specifically, it is submitted that it was open for any of the parties, who were the members of the peace committee meeting, to have such application under Section 63(e) of the Act. 17. That apart, it is submitted that the fifth respondent belongs to a dominant community and is flexing his muscle and is instigating the others to deny the first honors ie., guptl;lk; (Wrapping of Turban) and other honors in the temple. 18. It is further submitted that the fact that two of the two villages have already attempted to implead themselves in I.A.Nos.27 and 28 of 2024 should have sent signals that proceedings were pending under Section 63(e) of the Act, even if there was a failure on the part of the fifth respondent to have impleaded the members of the other communities. 19. It is submitted that although in the application filed in O.A.No.13 of 2024, in few paragraphs, there has been reference to first honors to the members of the fourth respondent's community, the prayer was not for first honors in the 14/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 temple festivals during the four Tamil months viz., rpj;jpiu, Mb, fhh;j;jpif and gq;Fdp. 20. It is further submitted that nothing precluded the members of the other dominant community to establish their rights before the second respondent/the Joint Commissioner, by filing a similar petition under Section 63(e) of the Act. 21. It is submitted that recognition of rights to a marginalized section of society is a rarity and therefore, the order should not be disturbed. That apart, it is submitted that the petitioner has an appellate remedy under Section 69 of the Act and therefore, on this count also, the writ petition is liable to be dismissed. 22. The learned counsel for the respondents has also drawn attention to the order passed by this Court in W.P.(MD) No.13845 of 2024, dated 28.06.2024, wherein, a show cause notice issued under Rule 34 of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Building Rules, 1997, by the Irukkankudi Village Panchayat was sought to be quashed. 15/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 23. It is submitted that the fifth respondent has violated the law in his capacity of the hereditary trustee and therefore, the Court had rightly dismissed the writ petition, which decision stands affirmed by the Division Bench of this Court, by its judgment dated 14.10.2024 in W.A.(MD) No.1461 of 2024. 24. I have considered the arguments advanced by the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned counsel for the respective respondents, who were initially arrayed as respondents and those, who were subsequently impleaded. 25. In my view, even if the order passed by the second respondent was recognizing the so called customary rights of the members of the fourth respondent's community, it ought to have been passed after recording the evidence, as Section 63 of the Act contemplates an inquiry. 26. The language of Section 63 makes it clear that subject to the rights of suit or appeal hereunder provided, the Joint Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, shall have power to inquire into and decide the 16/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 following disputes and matters. Sub section (e) specifically deals with whether any person is entitled to any custom. 27. Relevant portion of Section 63 of the Act reads as under:- 63.Joint Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner to decide certain disputes and matters. - Subject to the rights of suit or appeal hereinafter provided, the Joint Commissioner or the Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, shall have power to inquire into and decide the following disputes and matters:- (a) ...... (b) (c) (d) (e) whether any person is entitled, by custom or otherwise, to any honour, emolument or perquisite in any religious institution; and what the established usage of a religious institution is in regard to any other matter; 28. In the exercise of power conferred under Section 116 of the Act, the Tamil Nadu Government has also framed holding of Enquiry Rules, vide SRO No.A-895/1961, which was published as early as 30.08.1961 in part V of the Fort. St.George Gazette Notification. 29. Elaborate procedure has been prescribed for enquiry. An enquiry would 17/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 involve fact findings and recording of evidence. Recording of evidence should have involved all the persons and all the stakeholders and their evidence. 30. In this case, no such exercise was done by the second respondent, while passing the impugned order on 28.03.2025. Even if the petitioner or some of the other contesting respondents, who have been subsequently impleaded, were not the necessary parties, they were proper parties. Atleast the petitioner ought to have impleaded the fifth respondent hereditary trustee and thereafter, the scope of enquiry should have been expanded. 31. That apart, nothing precluded the second respondent to approach this Court for extension of time stating that the time granted by the Court, vide its order dated 03.08.2023, was not sufficient as is done regularly by the HR & CE Department. 32. All the parties, who are before this Court and who were not the parties to the proceedings in O.A.No.13 of 2024, shall stand suo motu impleaded in the said proceedings. 18/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 33. The second respondent shall record the evidence and enquire strictly in accordance with the provisions of Section 63 r/w Holding of Enquiry Rules referred to supra and endeavour to pass final orders as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of nine months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 34. As far as the current festival ie., Mb gpuk;Nkhw;rtk; is concerned which is scheduled to commence on 08.08.2025 and will culminate on 15.08.2025, no first honors shall be conferred, until such rights are established by any of the competing parties belonging to different communities. 35. While disposing of this writ petition, this Court is inclined to take note of the recent decision of this Court rendered in W.P.(MD) No.23290 of 2025, dated 27.06.2025, wherein the Court has lamented on the practise of conferring first honors in temples leading to communal disharmony. The Court is strongly endorsing the views expressed in the said order. There are sufficient indications that the country has progressed since independence and since the enactment of 19/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 1959 Act. 36. It is about time that Section 63(e) of the Act is removed from the statute by the Legislature, as it is not keeping in tune with the cherished dream under the preamble to the Constitution, Part IV, Part V and Article 14 in Part III of the Constitution. 37. The claims for supremacy in temple festivals are taking the citizens of the State back to the feudal era and does not augur well, although substantial progress has been made since Independence and after the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26th November, 1949, and its implementation on 26th January, 1950. The doors of the temple are being used to foster contempt and promote hatred among fellow citizens and result in caste discrimination at the doors of temples and other places of worship. 38. Further, Article 17 in Part III (Fundamental Rights) of the Constitution of India prohibits untouchability and forbids its practice in any form. The practice of eliminating a section of society by permitting another section to receive the 20/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 first honours is not only discriminatory but also demonstrates the practice passive untouchability. Such practices, including the grant of first honour in temples, foster discrimination and unrest, and have the propensity to cause communal disharmony among the citizens. However, this is a larger issue, which has to be addressed separately, as and when appropriate petitions are filed for declaring Section 63(e) of the Act as ultra vires, if the Legislature does not bring any amendment to delete the same. 39. Since the second respondent has passed the impugned order in gross violation of the principles of natural justice, in view of the time-bound order to be passed pursuant to the order of this Court dated 03.08.2023 in W.P.(MD) No. 18957 of 2023, the impugned order deserves to be quashed. Nothing precluded the second respondent/Joint Commissioner from seeking extension of time for passing the impugned order. 40. Accordingly, the impugned order passed by the second respondent in O.A.No.13 of 2024, dated 28.03.2025 is quashed, and the case is remitted back to the second respondent to pass a fresh order. 21/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 41. The official respondents are directed to ensure that the temple festival is conducted in an orderly manner and, if desired, seek necessary police protection and reinforcement from the jurisdictional police station. 42. With the foregoing discussions, observations and directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed. Index : Yes / No 31.07.2025 Internet : Yes / No mm/jen 22/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 To 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034. 2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, H 306 TNHB Colony, Ellis Nagar, Madurai. 23/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 C.SARAVANAN, J. mm W.P.(MD) No.18490 of 2025 31.07.2025 24/24 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis