IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 17.03.2026 CORAM : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI W.P.No.9881 of 2026 and WMP.No.10662 of 2026 V.Palanisamy ... Petitioner Vs 1. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department, Nethimedu, Salem – 636 002. 2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department, Nethimedu, Salem – 636 002. 3. The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Shri Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Division – 8, Chinna Thirupathi, Salem – 636 008. 4. Tmt. Rajthilagam, Thani Aluvalar (Special Officer), Arulmigu Sri Perumal Temple, Chinna Thirupathi, Salem – 636 008. ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 02.03.2026 and direct the respondents to permit and conduct the poojas and Kumbabishekam of Arulmigu Sri Venkatesa 1/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Perumal Temple, Chinna Thirupathi, Salem, through Sri.S.Sundarsan Pattachar, in accordance with the established customs, usage and law, and consequently restrain the respondents from arbitrarily engaging outsiders for the said religious functions, and pass orders. For Petitioner : Mr.C.Rajasekaran For Respondents : Mr.N.R.R.Arun Natarajan SGP (HR & CE) ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 02.03.2026 and direct the respondents to permit and conduct the poojas and Kumbabishekam of Arulmigu Sri Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Chinna Thirupathi, Salem, through Sri.S.Sundarsan Pattachar, in accordance with the established customs, usage and law, and consequently restrain the respondents from arbitrarily engaging outsiders for the said religious functions, and pass orders. 2. The facts of the case are as follows: One Sri.S.Sundarsan Pattachar has been performing daily poojas in the Arulmigu Sri Venkatesa Perumal Temple situated at Chinna Thirupathi, Salem for over two decades. The petitioner and other devotees came to know that steps had been taken to conduct poojas by engaging an outsider priest, without prior notice. Therefore, the petitioner approached the authorities requesting 2/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis that the poojas and Kumbabishekam be conducted by him in accordance with long-standing custom. Hence, this present petition is filed. 3. When the matter is taken up for hearing, the learned Special Government Pleader submitted that during the pendency of the writ petition, the Kumbabishekam has been conducted on 08.03.2026 and no further order is necessary in this case. 4. Recording the said statement, the writ petition is disposed of. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. No costs. 17.03.2026 rli 3/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis M.DHANDAPANI.J., rli To 1. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department, Nethimedu, Salem – 636 002. 2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department, Nethimedu, Salem – 636 002. 3. The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Shri Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Division – 8, Chinna Thirupathi, Salem – 636 008. W.P.No.9881 of 2026 17.03.2026 4/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis