WP(MD) No. 20807 of 2026 __________ Page1 of 4 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 24-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI WP(MD) No. 20807 of 2026 and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.15461 and 15462 of 2026 R.Kolappan S/o.K.Paramasivam, No.39A, Kathiresan Kovil Street, Tuticorin - 625003. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Tuticorin. 2. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Tuticorin. ..Respondent(s) Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorari to call for the records of the Impugned Notice in Na.Ka.No.4675/2022/Aa1, dated 25.06.2026 on the file the 1st respondent and quash the same and to pass such other or further orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice. For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Selva Aditya For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Parthiban Counsel for the State of Tamil Nadu https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP(MD) No. 20807 of 2026 __________ Page2 of 4 ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned notice issued by the first respondent, dated 25.06.2026. 2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the subject temple is a private temple established about 100 years ago by the petitioner's ancestors belonging to five Saiva Pillaimar families and that the administration of the temple has always remained with the members of those families. It was further submitted that the temple has no independent source of income or endowed properties except the land on which it stands and that the expenses for its maintenance, electricity charges and daily poojas are met entirely by the family members. The learned counsel contended that the impugned show cause notice has been issued without jurisdiction and without assigning valid reasons. Without prejudice to the above contentions, the learned counsel submitted that the petitioner may be granted liberty to submit a comprehensive objection to the impugned show cause notice within a period of two weeks and requested that the competent authority be directed to consider the same on merits. 3. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the impugned proceedings are only in the nature of a show cause notice and that no final decision has yet been taken. It was further submitted that if the petitioner submits his objections within the time stipulated by this Court, the https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP(MD) No. 20807 of 2026 __________ Page3 of 4 same would be duly considered in accordance with law and appropriate orders would be passed after affording an opportunity of hearing. 4. Considering the limited prayer sought for by the petitioner, this Court is inclined to dispose of the Writ Petition without expressing any opinion on the merits of the rival contentions. The petitioner is granted liberty to submit a detailed objection to the impugned show cause notice within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. On receipt of such objection, the first respondent shall consider the same, afford the petitioner an opportunity of personal hearing, if required, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of four weeks thereafter. Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 24-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No smn2 To 1. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Tuticorin. 2. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Tuticorin. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP(MD) No. 20807 of 2026 __________ Page4 of 4 M.DHANDAPANI, J. smn2 WP(MD) No. 20807 of 2026 24-07-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis