Subramaniyan v. The District Collector
Writ of Mandamus – Encroachment removal – Temple property – Survey No.97/1, Sundarapandiyapuram, Tenkasi Taluk (0.15.00 hectare)
Case brief
What is this about?
Temple land encroachment removal; writ of mandamus under Article 226; Section 78 HR & CE Act enforcement; Survey No.97/1 Sundarapandiyapuram Tenkasi Taluk; 0.15.00 hectare encroached by fifth respondent Lakshmi; Arulmigu Kulathur Ayyanar Sastha Temple (impleaded sixth respondent); decree in S.A.No.373 of 2004 dated 23.07.2009; petitioner representation dated 18.04.2022; fit person appointed; enquiry under way; four-month completion timeline; utilisation of land for religious purposes; writ petition disposed of, no costs; Madurai Bench of Madras High Court; decided 28.08.2025 by S.M. Subramaniam and G. Arul Murugan, JJ.
What did the court decide?
Writ petition disposed of with a direction to the Joint Commissioner and other competent HR & CE Department authorities and the Temple to initiate appropriate action under Section 78 of the HR & CE Act, follow the procedures, remove all encroachments in the temple properties and utilise them for religious purposes, completing the exercise within four months; no costs.