The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has ordered status quo on a series of tender works floated by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) concerning the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, Dindigul district.
The tenders, reportedly issued shortly before the announcement of election notifications, involved civil works valued at approximately ₹162.54 crore. The court intervened following a writ petition challenging the legality and procedural validity of these tenders.
The writ petition was filed by Vinoth Raghavendran before the Madurai Bench, seeking judicial intervention against the tenders issued by temple authorities. The petitioner raised concerns regarding alleged irregularities and violations in the tendering process initiated by the temple administration under the HR&CE Department.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel, Suresh Palaniappan, submitted that multiple lapses had occurred in the issuance of the tenders. The counsel argued that the Executive Officer of the Palani Devasthanam had proceeded with the tender process in violation of established procedures and legal norms.
After hearing the submissions, the Division Bench directed that all tender-related activities be kept in abeyance and ordered maintenance of status quo. The court further appointed Justice Bharatidasan to conduct an independent inspection into the tender process.
The retired judge has been tasked with examining the records, procedures, and compliance aspects related to the tenders. The court directed that a report based on the inspection be submitted by June 6.
According to official tender documents, the HR&CE Department had invited e-tenders for construction works, including new devotees’ rest houses at the Palani temple. The tender notice specified timelines for submission and opening of bids in February 2026, with contracts structured on an item-rate basis.
The total value of the works, as cited in the petition, amounts to ₹162.54 crore across multiple civil projects. Concerns raised in the petition included the timing of the tender issuance and alleged procedural deviations.
Phenomenal Good News from Madurai Bench of Madras High Court –
The tenders floated “urgently” before election notification by the Temple looting @tnhrcedept -to utilize Rs. 162.54 Crores of funds belonging to Sri Dhandayuthapani Temple, Pazhani for 11 illegal civil works -… pic.twitter.com/gQcjLt2pE5
— trramesh (@trramesh) March 27, 2026
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