Disposed

Suo-Motu Pil-Wp v. The Government of Tamil Nadu

Madras HC25 Jan 2018WP/1645/2018

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

In a suo-motu PIL, the Court directed Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department officials and local authorities to arrange basic amenities, including toilets, bathrooms, water, and resting areas for lakhs of pilgrims visiting the Vadalur Sri Ramalinga Swamigal establishment during the annual Thai Poosam festival.

What did the court decide?

Direction to provide 500 toilets, drinking water, enclosed resting areas for women, and security arrangements for pilgrims during the Thai Poosam festival.

Suo-Motu Pil-Wp Vs The Government of… — Constitutional and Fundamental Rights | Madras HC (2018)

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IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

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DATED : 25.01.2018

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CORAM

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The HON'BLE MS.INDIRA BANERJEE, CHIEF JUSTICE AND

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The HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE ABDUL QUDDHOSE

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W.P.No.1645 of 2018

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(Suo-motu)

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1.The Government of Tamil Nadu, rep. by its Principal Secretary, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009. 2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034. 3.The District Collector, Cuddalore District, Cuddalore. 4.The Commissioner, Cuddalore Municipality, Cuddalore. 5.The Tahsildar, Vadalur Taluk, Cuddalore District.

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6.The Executive Officer, Vadalur Sri Ramalinga Swamigal Suddha Sanmarga Sangam, Vadalur, Cuddalore District. .. Respondents

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PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to make arrangements for basic amenities like Toilet, Bathroom and staying rooms for the pilgrims and general public assembled for the Thai Poosam

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https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

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festival to be held on 31.01.2018, in Vadalur Village, Cuddalore District.

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For Respondents

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: Mr.M.Maharaja

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Spl. Govt. Pleader (HR & CE) for respondent Nos.1, 2 & 6

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Mr.E.Manoharan Addl. Government Pleader for respondent Nos.3 to 5

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ORDER

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(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice)

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This suo-motu public interest litigation has been initiated on receipt of a letter dated 25^th December 2017 from one D.Selvakumar of Velippalayam, Nagapattinam.

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The religious establishments of Gnanasabai, Dharmasaalai of Sri Ramalinga Swamigal comprising about 140 acres of land at Vadalur in Cuddalore District is under the control and administration of the Government of Tamil Nadu through its Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department.

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It appears that thousands of people visit the aforesaid religious establishment every day. The monthly Poosam festival at the aforesaid religious establishment attracts lakhs of pilgrims.

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The annual “Thai Poosam” festival spread over five days is scheduled to commence on 30^th January 2018. In the letter, on the basis of which this suo-motu public interest litigation has been initiated, it is stated that several lakhs of pilgrims visit the holy establishment during the annual “Thai Poosam” festival.

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Thiru D.Selvakumar, a devotee of Sri Ramalinga Swamigal, has sought suo motu orders of this Court on the respondents to provide adequate facilities for the pilgrims visiting the establishment, such as washroom and toilet facilities, adequate drinking water facilities, changing areas and resting places for women, etc. Thiru Selvakumar has stated that there is urgent need to construct at least 100 toilets and bathrooms, apart from adequate enclosed areas for ladies to change and rest.

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Learned Special Government Pleader (HR & CE) appearing on behalf of respondent Nos.1, 2 & 6 submits that about 500 toilets with adequate facilities are going to be set up.

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https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

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Adequate arrangements will also be made for potable water and there will be enclosed areas to enable the women pilgrims to change and rest. The respondents shall ensure that the assurance given to this Court by the Special Government Pleader on behalf of the HR & CE Department is honoured.

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The District Authorities shall also ensure that adequate security arrangements are made for smooth and trouble-free pilgrimage of the pilgrims, who visit the holy place.

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The writ petition is disposed of with the aforesaid directions. No costs.

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Sd/-
Assistant Registrar(CO)
//True copy//
Sub Assistant Registrar
bbr/sasi
To:
1.The Principal Secretary,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,
Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,
Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600 034.
3.The District Collector,
Cuddalore District, Cuddalore.
4.The Commissioner,
Cuddalore Municipality, Cuddalore.

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5.The Tahsildar, Vadalur Taluk, Cuddalore District.

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6.The Executive Officer, Vadalur Sri Ramalinga Swamigal Suddha Sanmarga Sangam,

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Vadalur, Cuddalore District.

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https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

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Copy To

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Mr.D.Selva Kumar, No.66, Kariyangudi chetty Street, Velippalayam, Nagapattinam- 611 001.

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+2ccs to Government Pleader SR.No.5898

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W.P.No.1645 of 2018 (Suo-motu)

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KAN(CO) GN(29/01/2018)

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https://hcservices.ecourts.gov.in/hcservices/

Suo-Motu Pil-Wp v. The Government of Tamil Nadu

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

Suo-Motu Pil-Wp v. The Government of Tamil Nadu

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

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