M.Anandhi v. the Secretary to Government
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court writ petition (mandamus, Article 226), disposed 17-12-2025 by Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy; petitioner M. Anandhi; HR&CE Department Commissioner directed on retrieval-renovation of two 'Kal Mandabam' structures (TS No.30 Ward-AJ Block 3, 3357 sq ft; TS No.224 Ward-K Block 28, 1000 sq ft) belonging to Arulmigu Azhagirinadhar Swamy Temple (Fort, Salem) and Arulmigu Ambalavanaswamy Temple (Gugai, Salem); petitioner's representations dated 22.10.2025 and 13.12.2025; Additional Government Pleader S. Ravichandran's undertaking recorded (estimate prepared, pending State Level Committee approval; works per budget to avoid dilapidation/disuse); direction to renovate, maintain, restore to proper temple use including festivals; disposed of, no costs; no precedent cited.
What did the court decide?
Direction to the second respondent to carry out the works so that both Kal Mandabams stand properly renovated, maintained and put to appropriate use of the temple, including the conduct of proper festivals, as expeditiously as possible; the respondents' undertaking (estimate prepared and pending State Level Committee approval, works thereafter per budget) was recorded; writ petition disposed of with no costs.