RANGARAJAN NARASIMHAN Vs. COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Mr.Rangarajan Narasimhan, petitioner has filed the instant public interest writ petition, praying for issuance of a writ of certiorarified mandamus, to quash the order of the Secretary to the Government, State of Tamil Nadu, Department of Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Chennai, first respondent, in Na.Ka.No.23603/2019/K4, dated 26/4/2019, as illegal and consequentially, direct the first respondent, not to interfere, in the religious affairs of any temple, which are under the supervisory control of the department of the first respondent.

(2.) Petitioner, who appeared in person, has primarily challenged the power of the Government, to pass the impugned Circular, dated 26/4/2019, by which, the Government of Tamil Nadu, have written letters, to all Joint Commissioners, to conduct Yagna in all the temples, under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board, so that, State may enjoy bountiful rain and attain prosperity, in Sri Vihari year 2019 - 2020. Impugned letter reads as under:-

(3.) Petitioner has submitted that the abovesaid letter violates the petitioner's fundamental right guaranteed under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India. According to him, in matters of religion, the Government can only have a say, on secular matters and cannot interfere in religious affairs of the people. Petitioner further stated that the purport of the letter is to direct the Joint Commissioners', to conduct Yagna, in a particular way, which cannot be done, as it amounts to interference in religious affairs of the people.