A.Ramachandran v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 03.04.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.CHANDRASEKHARAN and WMP.No.10271 of 2023 A.Ramachandran ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Kallakurichi District, Kallakurichi.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Kallakurichi District, Kallakurichi.

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Collectorate Office, Kallakurichi.

4. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Sankarapuram Taluk Office, Kallakurichi.

5. The Inspector of Police, Sangarapuram Police Station, Sangarapuram Taluk, Kallakurichi.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, pleased to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 5 to authorize the leadership of "Naatu Gounder Pedigree" for conducting of Arulmigu Sri Subramanyar Thirukovil celebration to determine the proper manner in which the festival has been conducted over the years and give proper police protection to conduct the festival "Panguni Uthiram" Thiruvizha on 5.04.2023 at Rangappanoor Village, Sankarapuram Taluk or any other date fixed by petitioner and villagers. For Petitioner : Mr.D.Rajagopal For Respondents : Mr.S.Santhosh Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

The Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondents 1 to 5 to authorize the leadership of "Naatu Gounder Pedigree" for conducting of Arulmigu Sri Subramanyar Thirukovil celebration to determine the proper manner in which the festival has been conducted over the years and give proper police protection to conduct the festival "Panguni Uthiram" Thiruvizha on 5.04.2023 at Rangappanoor Village, Sankarapuram Taluk or any other date fixed by petitioner and villagers.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that, petitioner is a resident of Rangappanoor Village. There are

several Hindu Temples situated in the Village namely Mariyamman Koil, Arulmigu Subramaniyar Temple, Veydippar Koil and Meenarpan Koil. People from all caste, worship in these temples. For more than 60 years, people belonging to "Naatu Gounder Pedigree" conducting ritual celebrations. Earlier, one Chinnamakku Gounder used to perform the Temple Festival for several years. After his demise, one D.Munusamy Gounder is performing rituals. They used to lead all celebrations including Chariot Festival. When the preparations were started to celebrate the Panguni Uthiram, last year, one Kamaraj S/o. Subramani, who is the husband of the Village Panchayat President namely Archana had informed that, temple festival including "Panguni Uthiram'' would be celebrated under his leadership and guidance.

Therefore, petitioner filed Writ Petition before this Court in W.P.No.5993 of 2022 dated 16.03.2023 seeking direction to the respondent therein to constitute a peace committee meeting in Rangappanoor Village, Sangarapuram Taluk to authorize leadership of Nattu Gounder Pedigree for conducting Arulmigu Subramaniyar Thirukovil Temple Celebrations on the basis of petitioner's representation.

peaceful manner as in the past years. This time also petitioner apprehends similar claim from Kamaraj H/o. Village Panchayat President namely Archana.

3. In response, learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) submitted that, peace committee meeting was conducted by Tahsilar of Sankarapuram Taluk on 25.03.2023. The rival parties had participated as A party and B party. In the meeting, certain decisions have been taken with regard to conduct of temple festival. Ravi S/o. Panchatsaram, Munusame S/o. Chinnamakkan Gounder and Anbazhagam S/o. Narayanasamy had been chosen as persons responsible for conduct of temple festival. Petitioner had also participated in the meeting and also signed the minutes. The minutes also produced for perusal of the Court. It shows that, petitioner also participated in the meeting and accepted the decision taken in the meeting.

4. In the light of the submission and records perused, this Court directs the respondents to ensure that the temple festival is conducted as per the decision taken in the meeting held on 25.03.2023 in a harmonious, inclusive and peaceful manner as in the past years. Further, 5th respondent

shall ensure proper and necessary police protection in the peaceful and smooth conduct of the festival by following the rituals and procedures as in the past years.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous petition is closed. 03.04.2023 Index :Yes/No Internet:Yes/No Sma NOTE: Issue Order Copy on 03.04.2023 To

1. The District Collector, Kallakurichi District, Kallakurichi.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Kallakurichi District, Kallakurichi.

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Collectorate Office, Kallakurichi.

4. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Sankarapuram Taluk Office, Kallakurichi.

5. The Inspector of Police,

Sangarapuram Police Station, Sangarapuram Taluk, Kallakurichi.

6.The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

G.CHANDRASEKHARAN, J Sma W.P. No.10290 of 2023 and WMP.No.10271 of 2023

03.04.2023