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W.P.No.32677 of 2025IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASDATED 02.09.2025CORAMTHE HONOURABLE Mr.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANIW.P.No.32677 of 2025 &WMP Nos.36592 and 36593 of 2025Tiruchengode Shri ArthanareeswararAdi Saiva Archagargal Sangamrep. By its President,T.V.Kandhasubramaniya Gurukkal118, Theruku Ratha Veedhi,Tiruchengode, Namakkal District...Petitioner versus 1. State of Tamilnadu Through Principal Secretary of HR&CE Tamilnadu State Government, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Chennai.3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Edayankattuvalasu Erode Distict Tamilnadu – 638 0114. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Arulmigu Arthanareerswarar Temple, Tiruchengode – 637 211...Respondents1/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to call for the records of the impugned order passed by the 3rd respondent dated 07.08.2025 vide his proceedings bearing no.Na.Ka.5361 / 2025/aa1 and quash the same and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 18.08.2025.For Petitioner : Mr.Suriya KannanFor Respondents : Mr.NRR.Arun Natarajan Special Government pleader (HR&CE) O R D E RThis Writ Petition has been filed to call for the records of the impugned order passed by the 3rd respondent dated 7.08.2025 vide his proceedings bearing no.Na.Ka.5361 / 2025/aa1 and quash the same and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 18.08.2025.2. The brief averment of the petitioner, as it transpires from the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition is that the petitioner is the Tiruchengode Shri Arthanareeswarar Adi Saiva Archargargal Sangam. It is the averment of the petitioner that the impugned order has come to be passed by the 3rd respondent directing installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri 2/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode. It is the averment of the petitioner that the said installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham are against the Agama Sastras. In this regard, a representation was given to the 3rd respondent to reconsider the decision with regard to installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, but till date no orders have been passed on the said representation. Apprehending that CCTV cameras may be installed in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode which would be against the Agama Sastras, without considering the representation of the petitioner, the present writ petition has been filed. 3. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that much prejudice would be caused if the CCTV cameras are installed without considering the representation of the petitioner as it would be against the Agama Sastras which would result in the sanctity of the temple being eroded. Therefore, he prays that necessary directions may be given to the 3rd respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner and pass appropriate orders.3/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025 4. Per contra, learned Special Government Pleader (HR & CE) appearing for the respondents submits that Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode is a Padal Petra Sthalam in which a Maragatha Lingam is installed. The handling of the Maragatha Lingam by all persons leads to deterioration of the idol and apprehension of theft of the said idol was also considered by the 3rd respondent while passing the impugned order regarding installation of CCTV cameras. It is the further submission of the learned Special Government Pleader that Agama Sastras only preclude installation of CCTV cameras in the Karbhagraham and there is no embargo for installing CCTV cameras in Arthamandapam, more particularly for the safety and security of the Maragatha Lingam against theft and mishandling. It is further submitted by the learned Special Government Pleader that all Agama Sastras will be followed in the installation of CCTV cameras and there will be no violation of any of the Agamas while such installation is carried out and, accordingly, prays for appropriate orders. 5. This Court considered the submissions advanced by the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.4/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025 6. The main grievance espoused by the petitioner is that the 3rd respondent has passed orders for installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, which is against the Agama Sastra towards which a representation has been filed, but has not yet been considered. The respondents are not disputing the said order, but only claim that CCTV cameras will be installed only in Arthamandapam and not in the Karbhagraha. 7. It is to be pointed out that the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbagraha) is the only place which is prohibited from the installation of CCTV cameras, as the said place is the divinely abode of the Lord in the temple, which cannot be entered into by any individuals. However, for securing the safety and security of the outer periphery of the temple and for securing the Maragatha Linga idol, which is placed at the Arthamandapam, installation of CCTV cameras is not precluded. Arthamandapam is accessible to one and all and all the devotees can very well go there to have the darshan of the Lord. In fact, it is informed that the Maragatha Lingam is kept there and abishekam is performed and only 5/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025to safeguard the idol, the cameras are being installed. The safety of the idol, which is a rare artefact, cannot be prohibited, as the said artefacts are the wealth of the nation. Only to secure the idol and keep it safely, it is being planned to monitor it through installation of CCTV cameras. 8. As submitted by the learned Special Government Pleader, the CCTV cameras will be installed only in the Arthamandapam and not in the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbagraha) of the temple and the same is taken on record. It is further made clear that CCTV cameras shall be installed only in the Arthamandapam and not in the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbagraha) as undertaken by the learned Special Government Pleader. In such circumstances, there arises no necessity for considering the representation and passing any further orders, which would be nothing but an exercise in futility. However, it is made clear that if there is any violation of the undertaking, needless to state, that the petitioner could very well knock on the doors of this Court for maintaining the sanctity of the temple for the purpose of following the Agama Sastras, which are the backbone of the temple. 6/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025For the reasons aforesaid, this writ petition stands disposed of with a direction to the respondents to fix CCTV cameras facing the deity at the Arthamandapam in Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode so as to protect and secure the Maragatha Lingam from being misused and it is further made clear that no CCTV cameras shall be installed in the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbhagraha), where the Presiding Deity and other deities are installed. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. There shall be no order as to costs.02.09.2025Index:Yes/NoInternet:Yes/NoSpeaking /Non speaking JudgmentssdTo1. State of Tamilnadu Through Principal Secretary of HR&CE Tamilnadu State Government, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Chennai.7/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025M.DHANDAPANI, J.,ssd3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Edayankattuvalasu Erode Distict Tamilnadu – 638 0114. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Arulmigu Arthanareerswarar Temple, Tiruchengode – 637 211W.P.No.32677 of 202502.09.20258/8
W.P.No.32677 of 2025IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASDATED 02.09.2025CORAMTHE HONOURABLE Mr.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANIW.P.No.32677 of 2025 &WMP Nos.36592 and 36593 of 2025Tiruchengode Shri ArthanareeswararAdi Saiva Archagargal Sangamrep. By its President,T.V.Kandhasubramaniya Gurukkal118, Theruku Ratha Veedhi,Tiruchengode, Namakkal District...Petitioner versus 1. State of Tamilnadu Through Principal Secretary of HR&CE Tamilnadu State Government, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Chennai.3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Edayankattuvalasu Erode Distict Tamilnadu – 638 0114. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Arulmigu Arthanareerswarar Temple, Tiruchengode – 637 211...Respondents1/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to call for the records of the impugned order passed by the 3rd respondent dated 07.08.2025 vide his proceedings bearing no.Na.Ka.5361 / 2025/aa1 and quash the same and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 18.08.2025.For Petitioner : Mr.Suriya KannanFor Respondents : Mr.NRR.Arun Natarajan Special Government pleader (HR&CE) O R D E RThis Writ Petition has been filed to call for the records of the impugned order passed by the 3rd respondent dated 7.08.2025 vide his proceedings bearing no.Na.Ka.5361 / 2025/aa1 and quash the same and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 18.08.2025.2. The brief averment of the petitioner, as it transpires from the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition is that the petitioner is the Tiruchengode Shri Arthanareeswarar Adi Saiva Archargargal Sangam. It is the averment of the petitioner that the impugned order has come to be passed by the 3rd respondent directing installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri 2/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode. It is the averment of the petitioner that the said installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham are against the Agama Sastras. In this regard, a representation was given to the 3rd respondent to reconsider the decision with regard to installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, but till date no orders have been passed on the said representation. Apprehending that CCTV cameras may be installed in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode which would be against the Agama Sastras, without considering the representation of the petitioner, the present writ petition has been filed. 3. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that much prejudice would be caused if the CCTV cameras are installed without considering the representation of the petitioner as it would be against the Agama Sastras which would result in the sanctity of the temple being eroded. Therefore, he prays that necessary directions may be given to the 3rd respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner and pass appropriate orders.3/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025 4. Per contra, learned Special Government Pleader (HR & CE) appearing for the respondents submits that Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode is a Padal Petra Sthalam in which a Maragatha Lingam is installed. The handling of the Maragatha Lingam by all persons leads to deterioration of the idol and apprehension of theft of the said idol was also considered by the 3rd respondent while passing the impugned order regarding installation of CCTV cameras. It is the further submission of the learned Special Government Pleader that Agama Sastras only preclude installation of CCTV cameras in the Karbhagraham and there is no embargo for installing CCTV cameras in Arthamandapam, more particularly for the safety and security of the Maragatha Lingam against theft and mishandling. It is further submitted by the learned Special Government Pleader that all Agama Sastras will be followed in the installation of CCTV cameras and there will be no violation of any of the Agamas while such installation is carried out and, accordingly, prays for appropriate orders. 5. This Court considered the submissions advanced by the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.4/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025 6. The main grievance espoused by the petitioner is that the 3rd respondent has passed orders for installation of CCTV cameras in the Arthamandapam and Karbhagraham of Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode, which is against the Agama Sastra towards which a representation has been filed, but has not yet been considered. The respondents are not disputing the said order, but only claim that CCTV cameras will be installed only in Arthamandapam and not in the Karbhagraha. 7. It is to be pointed out that the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbagraha) is the only place which is prohibited from the installation of CCTV cameras, as the said place is the divinely abode of the Lord in the temple, which cannot be entered into by any individuals. However, for securing the safety and security of the outer periphery of the temple and for securing the Maragatha Linga idol, which is placed at the Arthamandapam, installation of CCTV cameras is not precluded. Arthamandapam is accessible to one and all and all the devotees can very well go there to have the darshan of the Lord. In fact, it is informed that the Maragatha Lingam is kept there and abishekam is performed and only 5/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025to safeguard the idol, the cameras are being installed. The safety of the idol, which is a rare artefact, cannot be prohibited, as the said artefacts are the wealth of the nation. Only to secure the idol and keep it safely, it is being planned to monitor it through installation of CCTV cameras. 8. As submitted by the learned Special Government Pleader, the CCTV cameras will be installed only in the Arthamandapam and not in the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbagraha) of the temple and the same is taken on record. It is further made clear that CCTV cameras shall be installed only in the Arthamandapam and not in the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbagraha) as undertaken by the learned Special Government Pleader. In such circumstances, there arises no necessity for considering the representation and passing any further orders, which would be nothing but an exercise in futility. However, it is made clear that if there is any violation of the undertaking, needless to state, that the petitioner could very well knock on the doors of this Court for maintaining the sanctity of the temple for the purpose of following the Agama Sastras, which are the backbone of the temple. 6/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025For the reasons aforesaid, this writ petition stands disposed of with a direction to the respondents to fix CCTV cameras facing the deity at the Arthamandapam in Arulmighu Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode so as to protect and secure the Maragatha Lingam from being misused and it is further made clear that no CCTV cameras shall be installed in the Sanctum-Sanctorum (Karbhagraha), where the Presiding Deity and other deities are installed. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. There shall be no order as to costs.02.09.2025Index:Yes/NoInternet:Yes/NoSpeaking /Non speaking JudgmentssdTo1. State of Tamilnadu Through Principal Secretary of HR&CE Tamilnadu State Government, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai2. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments 119, Uthamar Gandhi Road, Chennai.7/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.32677 of 2025M.DHANDAPANI, J.,ssd3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Edayankattuvalasu Erode Distict Tamilnadu – 638 0114. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Arulmigu Arthanareerswarar Temple, Tiruchengode – 637 211W.P.No.32677 of 202502.09.20258/8