Supreme Court Stays Madurai Temple Order

Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 09-07-2026

Case Overview

• Petitioners: The Joint Commissioner cum Executive Officer, Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai.
• Respondents: V. Sheela Robert & Ors.
• Origin: Special Leave Petition (Civil) Diary No. 25312/2026 arising from the impugned judgment and order dated 28-04-2025 in WA(MD) No. 1296/2015 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Madras at Madurai.
• Multiple interlocutory applications were filed: IA Nos. 184354/2026, 184333/2026, 184362/2026, 184363/2026 (for the petitioner) and IA Nos. 190013/2026, 190018/2026, 190017/2026, 190011/2026 (for the respondent), seeking condonation of delay, exemption from filing copies of the impugned judgment, and other procedural reliefs.
• Counsel for the petitioner: Mr. M. Sathyanaryanan, Senior Advocate (through VC) and Mr. B. Karunakaran, AOR.
• The bench hearing the matter comprised Hon'ble Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Alok Aradhe (partial court‑working days bench).

Final Outcome

1. The Court condoned the delay in filing the aforementioned applications.

2. Notice was issued to the parties, returnable on 21 September 2026.

3. A stay was ordered on the operation of the impugned High Court order dated 28‑04‑2025 in WA(MD) No. 1296/2015.

4. Both parties were directed to maintain the status quo with respect to the nature, title, and possession of the suit property in question.

5. The matter was listed for further hearing on 21 September 2026.

Topics: Legal Order, Stay of Judgment