2.It is averred in the petition that the dry lands in Survey No.41/3, 41/8 at No.24, Vadugapatty Village, dry lands in Survey No.119/2, in Survey No.153/3 at No.25, Viralimalai Village, Illuppoor Taluk, Pudukkottai District, originally belonged to his Highness Raja Pudukkottai Darbar. The petitioners are washerman by community. The forefathers of the petitioners were rendering ''dhobi'' service to the fifth respondent temple. In appreciation of their ''dhobi'' service, the above said lands were given to them by his Highness Raja of Pudukkottai Darbar for cultivation and they were cultivating the same and deriving income therefrom hereditarily. Thus, it will be seen that the above said land was given as ''service manyam'' to the forefathers of the petitioners. After the death of the petitioners' father, the petitioners are rendering service to the fifth respondent temple. While the matter stood thus, the land in Survey No.24 Vadugappaty Village and the land in Survey No.25 Viralimalai village were taken over by the Government under Tamil Nadu Inam Act 30 of 1963 and settlement proceedings were introduced. After due enquiry, the then Assistant Settlement officer granted patta in favour of the petitioners' father on condition that the petitioners should continue to perform the traditional dhobi service for Arulmigu Murugan temple. The name of the petitioners was also entered in the revenue records. Thereafter, the patta stands in the name of the petitioners was transferred in favour of the fifth respondent temple. Hence, the petitioners filed an appeal before the second respondent on 27.01.2011. The same has been returned on 08.02.2011 stating that the appeal is time barred. Hence, the petitioners made a representation before the first respondent on 12.03.2013 and thereafter on 10.09.2013, to re-enter the name of the petitioners in the patta. The same has not been considered so far. Hence, the petitioners have come forward with the Writ Petition for the above stated relief.
