G.Baskar v. The Joint Commissioner
Case brief
What is this about?
W.P.(MD)No.1639 of 2026 (Madras High Court, Madurai Bench; Krishnan Ramasamy, J.; decided 23.01.2026). Petitioner G.Baskar challenged his removal as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Arulmigu Melamutharamman Temple by the Joint Commissioner, HR&CE Department, Thoothukudi (order Na.Ka.No.1731/2023/A2 dated 05.12.2025). Even the Special Government Pleader conceded the order was passed without framing charges. Applying Section 53(3) of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959 (charges must be framed, opportunity to meet/test/adduce evidence given, and the order must state charges, explanation and findings), the Court held the removal order invalid for want of framed charges, set it aside, and remanded the matter to the first respondent for fresh consideration in accordance with law; no costs; connected W.M.P.(MD)No.1307 of 2026 closed. Keywords: HR&CE Act Section 53(3); trustee removal; framing of charges; certiorari; Article 226; remand for fresh consideration.