learned Government Advocate further submitted that to provide better amenities for the pilgrims and ensure effective crowd management, a master plan is under preparation and the same will be submitted by the next hearing. 5. Post these matters on 16.07.2026. (Dr.G.J.,J.) (S.S.,J.)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 09-07-2026
CORAM
THE HON’BLE DR JUSTICE G. JAYACHANDRAN
AND
THE HON’BLE MR.JUSTICE S. SOUNTHAR
Writ Petition Nos. 34810/2023 & 11240/2024 and
W.M.P.Nos. 34818/2023 & 12334, 12335/2024
W.P.No.34818 of 2023
A.Radhakrishnan
..Petitioner
Vs
1. The Secretary to the Government
Tourism, Culture and Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai 09.
2. The Secretary to the Government
Revenue Department, Secretariat,
Chennai 09
3. The Commissioner
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments
Department,
119 Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 34
4. The Commissioner of Land Administration Chepauk, Chennai 05
5. The District Collector Thiruvannamalai
6. The Deputy Director Of Town and Country
Planning
Chepauk, Chennai 05.
7. The Municipal Commissioner Thiruvannamalai Municipality, Thiruvannamalai.
8. The Chairman Board of Trustee Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil, Pavazhakundur, Thiruvannamalai 606 601.
9. The Joint Commissioner Cum Executive
Officer,
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil,
Pavazhakundur, Thiruvannamalai 606 601.
..Respondents WP No. 11240 of 2024
T.R.Ramesh
..Petitioner
Vs
1. The State of Tamil Nadu
Rep by its Secretary,
Tourism, Culture And Religious Endowment Department, Secretariat, Chennai-09.
2. The Commissioner
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Chennai-34.
..Respondents
Prayer in W.P.No.34810 of 2023: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking for a Writ of Certiorari, calling for the records pertaining to the order passed by the 1st respondent in G.O. Ms.No. 336 dated
14.09.2023 and quash the same and pass
WP No. 11240 of 2024
Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking for a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records relating to G.O.Ms. No.336 Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments (R.E. 4-1)
Department dated 14.09.2023, issued by the 1st Respondent herein, quash the same and consequently direct the Respondents to restore the properties and funds misappropriated from Hindu Temples by the 1st and 2nd Respondents herein for any of the purpose set out in the said order,
For Petitioner in Mr.R.Marudhachalamurthy W.P.No.34810/2023:
For Petitioner in Mr.T.R.Ramesh, Party-in-person W.P.No.11240/2024 :
For Respondents in both Mr. R.Bharanidharan,
cases: Government Advocate (HR & CE)
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by Dr.G.Jayachandran J.)
G.O.Ms.No.336 dated 14.09.2023, which is challenged in W.P.No.34810 of 2023 by the writ petitioner Mr.A.Radhakrishnan, has been withdrawn by the Government vide G.O.Ms.No.58 dated 19.06.2026. As a consequence, the proposal to construct a commercial complex in the place of East Rajagopuram at a cost of Rs.6.40 Crores now stands dropped. The said statement by the learned Government Advocate is recorded.
2. In respect of the interim order and directions issued by this Court in compliance with the order dated 29.01.2026, a sealed cover consisting of three shortlisted candidates for the post of Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission has been submitted.
3. We permit the Government to nominate one among them and issue the necessary notification within a period of one week.
4. The learned Government Advocate further submitted that to provide better amenities for the pilgrims and ensure effective crowd management, a master plan is under preparation and the same will be submitted by the next hearing.
5. Post these matters on 16.07.2026.
(Dr.G.J.,J.) (S.S.,J.)
09-07-2026
rpl 1/2
To
1.The Secretary to the Government
Tourism, Culture and Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai 09.
2.The Secretary to the Government
Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai 09
3.The Commissioner
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department,
119 Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai 34
4.The Commissioner of Land Administration Chepauk, Chennai 05
5.The District Collector Thiruvannamalai
6.The Deputy Director Of Town and Country Planning Chepauk, Chennai 05.
7.The Municipal Commissioner
Thiruvannamalai Municipality, Thiruvannamalai.
8.The Chairman Board of Trustee
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil, Pavazhakundur, Thiruvannamalai 606 601.
9.The Joint Commissioner Cum Executive Officer,
Arulmigu Arunachaleswarar Thirukoil, Pavazhakundur, Thiruvannamalai 606 601. 
DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN J. and S.SOUNTHAR J.
rpl
Writ Petition Nos. 34810/2023 & 11240/2024 and
W.M.P.Nos. 34818/2023 & 12334, 12335/2024
09-07-2026