WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page1 of 19 4IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 06-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI WP No. 15968 of 2025 A.Radhakrishnan S/o.T. Arumuga Gounder, 38, Mettu Agraharam, Salem -636 001. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Secretary To Government Public (Special -A) Department, Secretariat, chennai -600 009. 2. The Secretary to Government Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 3. The Secretary to Government Home Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 4. The Secretary to Government, Tourism Culture and Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai -600 009. 5. The Secretary to Government Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 6. The Secretary to Government Commercial Taxes and Registrations Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page2 of 19 7. The Secretary to Government Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009 8. The Secretary to Government Environment and Forests Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 9. The Secretary to Government Water Resources Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009 10.The Commissioner of Revenue Administration Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 11.The Commissioner of Land Administration Chepauk, Chennai -600 005. 12.The Director of Survey and Settlements Chepauk, Chennai -600 005 13.The Inspector General of Registrations 100, Santhome High Road, Chennai 600 028. 14.The Director of Adidravidar Welfare, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 15.The Director of Town Panchayats Chennai 600 028 16.The Chairman Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Chennai -600 032. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page3 of 19 17.The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034. 18.The Archaeological Commissioner Egmore, Chennai 600 008. 19.The Commissioner of Tourism, Chennai -600 002. 20.The Director General of Police And Head of the Police Force, Dr.Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai 600 004. 21.The Engineer in Chief cum Chief Engineer (General), Water Resources Department. Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 22.The District Executive Magistrate /District Collector, Krishnagiri District. 23.The Additional District Executive Magistrate/ District Revenue Officer, Krishnagiri. 24.The Sub Divisional Executive Magistrate/ Revenue Divisional Officer, Krishnagiri. 25.The Sub Divisional Executive Magistrate/ Revenue Divisional Officer, Hosur- 635 109, Krishnagiri District. 26.The Taluk Executive Magistrate cum Tahsildar, Krishnagiri. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page4 of 19 27.The Taluk Executive Magistrate cum Tahsildar Thenkanikottai, Krishnagiri District. 28.The Taluk Executive Magistrate cum Tahsildar Hosur, Krishnagiri District. 29.The Special Tahsildar Temple lands Krishnagiri. 30.The District Adidravidar Welfare Officer Krishnagiri 31.The Land acquisition Officer cum Special Tahsildar, Adidravidar Welfare, Krishnagiri. 32.Thiru Dharmaraj Additional Personal Assistant to the Collector (Lands), Krishnagiri. 33.The Inspector General of Police, West Zone, Coimbatore. 34.The Superintendent of Police Krishnagiri 35.The Inspector of Police District Special Branch, Krishnagiri. 36.The Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Gandhi Nagar, Vellore -632 006. 37.The Superintending Engineer Water Resources Department, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page5 of 19 Thiruvannamalai- 606 601. 38.The Tourism Officer Collectorate, Krishnagiri 39.The Archaeological Officer Mohamed Ali Club Road, Dharmapuri. 40.The Inspection Cell Officer Collectorate Campus, Salem Town 636 001. 41.The Regional Auditing Officer Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Tamil Sangam Salai, Salem 636 007. 42.The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruvannamalai. 43.The Executive Engineer Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruvannamalai. 44.The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Krishnagiri 45.The Fit Person/Executive Officer Arulmigu Sakthi Vinayagar Temple, Sandhai Pettai, Kaveripattinam -635 112, Krishnagiri Taluk and District. 46.The Present administrator Karaga Devatha Amman Temple, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page6 of 19 Singasadhanapalli -635 124, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 47.The Fit Person/Executive Officer Arulmigu Thirumalaidevar Temple, M.Chettipalli, Hosapuram -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District 48.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator,Arulmigu Chandra Mouleeswrar Temple, G B area, Nethaji Nagar, Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 49.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator Arulmigu Pasuweshwarar Temple, Kelamangalam Village 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 50.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator Arulmigu Kasi Vishweshwarar Temple, Kelamangalam Village- 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 51.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Pattalamman Temple, Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 52.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Virupeshwara Swamy Temple, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page7 of 19 Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 53.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Linga DevarTemple, Kelamangalam Village 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 54.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Sankara Narayana Swamy Temple, Hosur -635 109, Krishnagiri District. 55.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Kasi Vishweshwarar Temple, Kelamangalam Village- 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 56.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Jegathap 635 112, Krishnagiri Taluk and District. 57.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Sivan Temple, Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 58.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Betrayal Swamy Temple, Thenkanikottai village and Taluk, Krishnagiri District. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page8 of 19 59.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Pettathathamman Temple, Pelahondapalli -635 107, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 60.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Devaraja Swamy Temple, Pelahondapalli 635 107, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 61.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Sendarya Swamy Temple, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 62.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Anchaneya swamy Temple, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 63.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Prasanna Parvathi Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Puthupewttai 635 651, Krishnagiri Town, Krishnagiri Taluk and District. 64.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Ramar Temple, Thadikkal -635 107, Rathnagiri, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. ..Respondent(s) https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page9 of 19 Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Mandamus directing the 17th respondent to secure and safeguard the properties and administrations of the 45 to 64 respondent temples by considering the petitioner representations dated 08.01.2020 and pass For Petitioner(s): A.Radhakrishnan (p-in-p) For Respondent(s): Mr.M.Rajendran, Additional Govt. Pleader for R1 to R3, R5 to 15, R18-22, R25-31, 36-40. Mr.V.Gunasekaran, for R16 and R32 Mr.S.Ravichandran, Additional Govt. Pleader for R17, 41 to 64 Order This Writ Petition is filed for a Mandamus directing the 17th respondent to secure and safeguard the properties and administration of the 45 to 64th respondent temples by considering the petitioner representations dated 08.01.2020. 2. The case of the petitioner is that when he visited the temples of the respondents 45 to 64, he found several illegalities and irregularities either in temple properties or in its administrators, which are administered by the 17th https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page10 of 19 respondent officials. Hence, he submitted detailed representation to the 17th respondent on 08.01.2020, followed by reminders dated 28.03.2022, 08.05.2022 and 26.08.2022 to the respondent authorities with respect to take immediate steps to secure and safeguard the 45 to 64 respondent temples properties and administrators. Pursuant there to the 10th respondent had sent instructions dated 09.03.2023 to the 17th respondent and others. Since there was no progress and therefore, he sent another representation dated 21.04.2025 and despite the same, nothing has move forward and hence, he has filed the instant writ petition. 3. Heard both sides and perused the materials on record. 4. Considering the limit scope of prayer sought for, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 08.01.2020 and after affording opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and other interested parties, pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition shall stands disposed of. No costs. 06-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No Sk https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page11 of 19 To 1. The Secretary To Government Public (Special -A) Department, Secretariat, chennai -600 009. 2. The Secretary to Government Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 3. The Secretary to Government Home Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 4. The Secretary to Government, Tourism Culture and Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai -600 009. 5. The Secretary to Government Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 6. The Secretary to Government Commercial Taxes and Registrations Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 7. The Secretary to Government Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009 8. The Secretary to Government Environment and Forests Department, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009. 9. The Secretary to Government Water Resources Department, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page12 of 19 Secretariat, Chennai 600 009 10.The Commissioner of Revenue Administration Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 11.The Commissioner of Land Administration Chepauk, Chennai -600 005. 12.The Director of Survey and Settlements Chepauk, Chennai -600 005 13.The Inspector General of Registrations 100, Santhome High Road, Chennai 600 028. 14.The Director of Adidravidar Welfare, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 15.The Director of Town Panchayats Chennai 600 028 16.The Chairman Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Chennai -600 032. 17.The Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 600 034. 18.The Archaeological Commissioner Egmore, Chennai 600 008. 19.The Commissioner of Tourism, Chennai -600 002. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page13 of 19 20.The Director General of Police And Head of the Police Force, Dr.Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai 600 004. 21.The Engineer in Chief cum Chief Engineer (General), Water Resources Department. Chepauk, Chennai 600 005. 22.The District Executive Magistrate /District Collector, Krishnagiri District. 23.The Additional District Executive Magistrate/ District Revenue Officer, Krishnagiri. 24.The Sub Divisional Executive Magistrate/ Revenue Divisional Officer, Krishnagiri. 25.The Sub Divisional Executive Magistrate/ Revenue Divisional Officer, Hosur- 635 109, Krishnagiri District. 26.The Taluk Executive Magistrate cum Tahsildar, Krishnagiri. 27.The Taluk Executive Magistrate cum Tahsildar Thenkanikottai, Krishnagiri District. 28.The Taluk Executive Magistrate cum Tahsildar Hosur, Krishnagiri District. 29.The Special Tahsildar Temple lands Krishnagiri. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page14 of 19 30.The District Adidravidar Welfare Officer Krishnagiri 31.The Land acquisition Officer cum Special Tahsildar, Adidravidar Welfare, Krishnagiri. 32.Thiru Dharmaraj Additional Personal Assistant to the Collector (Lands), Krishnagiri. 33.The Inspector General of Police, West Zone, Coimbatore. 34.The Superintendent of Police Krishnagiri 35.The Inspector of Police District Special Branch, Krishnagiri. 36.The Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Gandhi Nagar, Vellore -632 006. 37.The Superintending Engineer Water Resources Department, Thiruvannamalai- 606 601. 38.The Tourism Officer Collectorate, Krishnagiri 39.The Archaeological Officer Mohamed Ali Club Road, Dharmapuri. 40.The Inspection Cell Officer Collectorate Campus, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page15 of 19 Salem Town 636 001. 41.The Regional Auditing Officer Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Tamil Sangam Salai, Salem 636 007. 42.The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruvannamalai. 43.The Executive Engineer Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thiruvannamalai. 44.The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Krishnagiri 45.The Fit Person/Executive Officer Arulmigu Sakthi Vinayagar Temple, Sandhai Pettai, Kaveripattinam -635 112, Krishnagiri Taluk and District. 46.The Present administrator Karaga Devatha Amman Temple, Singasadhanapalli -635 124, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 47.The Fit Person/Executive Officer Arulmigu Thirumalaidevar Temple, M.Chettipalli, Hosapuram -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District 48.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page16 of 19 Present Administrator,Arulmigu Chandra Mouleeswrar Temple, G B area, Nethaji Nagar, Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 49.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator Arulmigu Pasuweshwarar Temple, Kelamangalam Village 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 50.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator Arulmigu Kasi Vishweshwarar Temple, Kelamangalam Village- 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 51.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Pattalamman Temple, Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 52.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Virupeshwara Swamy Temple, Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 53.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Linga DevarTemple, Kelamangalam Village 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 54.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page17 of 19 Present Administrator, Arulmigu Sankara Narayana Swamy Temple, Hosur -635 109, Krishnagiri District. 55.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Kasi Vishweshwarar Temple, Kelamangalam Village- 635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 56.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Jegathap 635 112, Krishnagiri Taluk and District. 57.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Sivan Temple, Kelamangalam Village -635 113, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 58.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Betrayal Swamy Temple, Thenkanikottai village and Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 59.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Pettathathamman Temple, Pelahondapalli -635 107, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 60.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Devaraja Swamy Temple, Pelahondapalli 635 107, Thenkanikottai Taluk, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page18 of 19 Krishnagiri District. 61.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Sendarya Swamy Temple, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 62.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Anchaneya swamy Temple, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. 63.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Prasanna Parvathi Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Puthupewttai 635 651, Krishnagiri Town, Krishnagiri Taluk and District. 64.The Fit Person/Executive Officer/ Present Administrator, Arulmigu Ramar Temple, Thadikkal -635 107, Rathnagiri, Thenkanikottai Taluk, Krishnagiri District. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 15968 of 2025 __________ Page19 of 19 M.DHANDAPANI J. Sk WP No. 15968 of 2025 06-04-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis