Authority: High Court of Judicature at Madras

Order Date: 12-10-2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: S. Vaithiyanathan, Hereditary Managing Dharmakartha of Sri Veera Anjaneyar Swamy Temple, along with the District Collector, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Superintendent of Police, and Inspector of Police of Villupuram District.
  • Respondents: The same four government officials (as respondents) and P. Saravanan S/o Perumal Gounder, who is alleged to have placed an illegal lock on the temple premises.
  • Nature of proceeding: Writ Petition (WP Crl. No. 1380 of 2026) seeking a writ of mandamus or any appropriate writ directing the respondents to consider a representation dated 20.04.2026, remove the unauthorized lock, and provide police protection to enable daily poojas as per Agama Sastras.
  • Background: The petitioner claims the lock prevents access to the temple situated on Survey No.106/3 (Part) and Survey No.105/4, total extent 28 cents, Rettanai Village, Tindivanam Taluk, Villupuram District. The petitioner asserts he is the managing Dharmakartha; the fifth respondent disputes this, claiming the temple is managed by the Rettanai Grama Devathaigal Trust formed in 2022, while the temple itself dates back to 1985. The dispute over dharmakartha status is pending resolution in a civil suit.
  • Prior protection: Police protection was already afforded to the petitioner in W.P. No.1230 of 2025, order dated 12.10.2026.

Final Outcome

1. The Court confirms that police protection continues as per the earlier order.

2. The petitioner is authorized to break open the lock placed by the fifth respondent and replace it with his own set of locks.

3. Police are directed to maintain a constant vigil at the temple; if the petitioner’s locks are broken, any mischief‑makers must be immediately taken into custody and remanded.

4. The petitioner must keep the temple open and must not prevent any member of the public from entering to offer prayers.

5. The matter is to be posted on 26.10.2026 for further compliance monitoring.

Topics: Court Order, Temple Management, Police Protection