T.Selvam v. The Chief Secretary To Government
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 14.03.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY T.SELVAM ... Petitioner Vs 1.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF TAMILNADU, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN WELFARE (AH3) DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, CHEPAUK, CHENNAI.
2.
THE DIRECTOR, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN WELFARE (AH3) DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, CHENNAI - 600 009.
3.
THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, OFFICE OF THE DISTRCT COLLECTOR, NAMAKKAL DISTRICT, NAMAKKAL.
... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to issue Government Order to conduct the Jallikattu by the petitioner committee in same place at Mangalapuram (Thandakavundampalayam village) by considering the petitioner's last representations dated 17.02.2025 and 05.03.2025.
1/5
For Petitioner : Mr.M.Vignesh for Mr.M.Kavikannan For R1 to R3 : Mr.J.Ravindran, Additional Advocate General assisted by Mr.S.Senthil Murugan Special Government Pleader
ORDER
This writ petition is filed to direct the second respondent to issue a Government Order to permit the petitioner committee to conduct Jallikattu in the same place at Mangalapuram (Thandakavundampalayam Village) by considering the petitioner's representations dated 17.02.2025 and 05.03.2025.
2. The case of the petitioner is that Mangalapuram (Thandakavundampalayam Village) is the only approved site and a Government Order has already been passed in G.O.(D).No.81 dated 15.02.2021 for the purpose of conducting Jallikattu. As such, the petitioner and the other inhabitants of the hamlet called Thandakavundampalayam have been conducting Jallikattu every year. However, some new persons from Mangalapuram village have allegedly gained permission through the portal for the same site and are now intending to conduct Jallikattu on 16.03.2025. The petitioner submits that the right granted by the Government Order for the original site has been clandestinely taken away. Therefore, they are praying for the restoration of this right and for permission to conduct Jallikattu, thereby 2/5
preventing others from doing so. Alternatively, they request permission to conduct Jallikattu once more.
3. The learned Additional Advocate General appearing for the respondents 1 to 3 would submit that it is true that this is the approved site and if an application is made through the portal, the same is duly considered in accordance with the law and permission is granted. If the new persons or the persons who are not entitled to have taken the permission, then enquiry can be conducted in this regard and appropriate decision can be made, based on which the Jallikattu can be conducted from next year onwards.
4. Though the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner may be correct in contending that the original Government Order was granted in respect of Mangalapuram (Thandakavundampalayam Village), arrangements have now been made after due permission and it is being conducted. Therefore, it is not appropriate to interdict at the eleventh hour. On the contrary, the second respondent shall conduct an enquiry into this matter and if the Government Order applies only to Mangalapuram (Thandakavundampalayam Village) and if the petitioner and his village persons are the one who are traditionally conducting the Jallikattu, after hearing both sides, an order can be 3/5
passed to the said effect. The said order can then be followed for the ensuing years. The said exercise of conducting the enquiry and passing final orders shall be completed within eight weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order. No costs. 14.03.2025 nsl To 1.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT, THE STATE GOVERNMENT OF TAMILNADU, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN WELFARE (AH3) DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, CHEPAUK, CHENNAI.
2.
THE DIRECTOR, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, DAIRYING FISHERIES AND FISHERMEN WELFARE (AH3) DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT, CHENNAI - 600 009.
3.
THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, OFFICE OF THE DISTRCT COLLECTOR, NAMAKKAL DISTRICT, NAMAKKAL.
D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.
nsl 4/5
14.03.2025 5/5