K GOKUL MURUGESAN Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) COMMON ORDER Admit. Learned counsels appearing for the respondents waive service. By consent, both writ petitions are taken up for final hearing.

(2.) THESE petitions are preferred in public interest to protect the lands belonging to Arulmighu Thirusoolanathar Temple, situate in Thirusoolam, a suburb of Chennai, which are sought to be grabbed by anti-social elements with the connivance of Government officials, by forging the Government records and obtaining orders from this Court by misrepresenting the facts. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and as per the stone inscriptions and other evidence available, the temple dates back to 9th century. The temple is holding various lands in and around the village of Thirusoolam, which has been gifted by various kings and the lands have been maintained by the temple. The income arising out pf the lands is being used by the temple for its upkeep and for conducting several rituals and expenses. The first settlement register of the year 1891 and the subsequent survey register of the year 1911 prepared by the revenue authorities show that the lands are owned by the temple. All the revenue records including "A" Register show that the lands have always been owned and possessed by the temple.

(3.) ARMED with the order passed by the 4th respondent, respondents 8 and 9 approached this Court in W.P. No. 32442 of 2007 inter alia seeking for the fallowing relief: