WP Crl. No. 1460 of 2025 __________ Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 07-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G.K. ILANTHIRAIYAN WP Crl. No. 1460 of 2025 The Chairman/Presbyter-in-charge Represented by Rev.J.Jerad James, CSI St.Peter Church, Perumugai, having office at B-29, Sathuvachari, Vellore- 632009. ..Petitioner Vs 1. The District Collector Collectorate Building, Vellore District- 632 009. 2. The Superintendent of Police Vellore District- 632 009. 3. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Collectorate Building, Vellore District- 632 009. 4. The Inspector of police Sathuvacheri Police Station, Rangapuram, Vellore District- 632 009. ..Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition (Criminal) filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 4th respondent herein to forthwith hand over the illegally held main door key of CSI St.Peter Church, Perumugai, Vellore District to the petitioner. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl. No. 1460 of 2025 __________ Page2 of 4 For Petitioner : Mr.J.Edison Gnanaraj For Respondents: Mr.R.Ganesh Kumar Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) ORDER This Writ Petition (Criminal) has been filed seeking a direction to the fourth respondent herein to forthwith handover the keys of the main door of CSI St.Peter Church, Perumugai, Vellore District, to the petitioner. 2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record. 3. It is seen from the records that there was a dispute between the petitioner and the counter party in respect of administration of the CSI St.Peter Church, Perumugai, Vellore District. Consequently, an FIR was registered in Crime No.182 of 2019 on the file of the fourth respondent. Subsequently, proceedings were initiated under Section 107 of the Code Criminal Procedure. Pending disposal of the said proceedings, the fourth respondent locked the church premises and kept the keys in their custody. Now, the proceedings under Section 107 of Criminal Procedure Code have concluded and the counter party has been removed from the membership of the Church. Till date, the keys of the CSI St.Peter Church, continue to remain in the custody of the fourth respondent. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl. No. 1460 of 2025 __________ Page3 of 4 4. In view of the above, the fourth respondent is directed to handover the keys of CSI St.Peter Church, Perumugai, Vellore District, to the petitioner forthwith and shall ensure that the church remains open for use and worship of all its members. 5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition (Criminal) stands disposed of. No costs. 07-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No LPP To 1. The District Collector Collectorate Building, Vellore District- 632 009. 2. The Superintendent of Police Vellore District- 632 009. 3. The Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Collectorate Building, Vellore District- 632 009. 4. The Inspector of police Sathuvacheri Police Station, Rangapuram, Vellore District- 632 009. 5.The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl. No. 1460 of 2025 __________ Page4 of 4 G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN J. LPP WP Crl. No. 1460 of 2025 07-07-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis