Sivachidambaram v. The Revenue Divisional Officer
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 07-04-2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR AND WPMP CRL. NO. 252 OF 2026 Sivachidambaram Petitioner Vs
1. The Revenue Divisional Officer Mettur, Salem District.
2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police Mettur, Salem District 3.The Inspector Of Police Karumalaikoodal Police Station, Salem District.
Respondents PRAYER This writ petition is preferred under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus or any other appropriate writ or order or direction in the nature of writ to call for the records pertaining to the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent in Na.Ka.No.34/Tu.Kaa.Ka/Oliperukki/Mettur/2026 dated 29.03.2026 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents No.1 to 3 to issue permission and provide police protection to conduct program in event of Arulmigu Sree Sakthi Mariyamman Temple festival at Poraiyur, Gonur Village, Mettur Taluk, 1/5
Salem district on 09.04.2026 between 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm pursuant to the petitioner's representation dated 24.03.2026 and pass such further or other orders as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case and thus render justice. For Petitioner(s):
Mr.C.Deepakkumar For Respondents:
Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam, Addl. Public Prosecutor for RR2 and 3
ORDER
Challenging the impugned order passed by the second respondent rejecting petitioner's request for granting permission to conduct cultural festival in the night hours on 09.04.2026 in connection with 'Arulmighu Shree Sakthi Mariammal Temple' festival in Poraiyur, the present writ petition has been preferred by the petitioner.
2.Mr.C.Deepakkumar, learned counsel on record for the writ petitioner is before this court. The learned counsel contended that the reason given for rejection is that due to the upcoming election, the model code of conduct is in force and therefore, the permission cannot be granted. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the festival has been conducted regularly and it is only a dance cultural programme which will be conducted during the 2/5
festival and there is no objection from any person and there is no complaint from any one. Further, the petitioner does not foresee any disturbance to the public and there will be no law and order problem. In such circumstances, apprehending disturbance to the law and order, rejecting the request of the petitioner to conduct the cultural programme in the festival is not proper. 3.Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam, learned Additional Public Prosecutor who takes notice for respondents 2 and 3 submitted that due to the upcoming general election, the police is unable to divert its force from the election duty and further, the model code of conduct is in force and therefore, the permission cannot be granted. Further, the cultural programme will be held during night hours and that there will be disturbance to the public. It is further submitted that if the petitioner makes his request after the election, the same shall be considered favourably.
4.This court considered the submissions made by both sides and finds some force in the submission made by the learned Additional Public Prosecution. It is to be noted that the general election is going to be held to the assembly and the election process is going on and that the model code of conduct is in force. At that time, granting permission to conduct the cultural programme during the temple festival will not be feasible and that sufficient 3/5
police force will not be available during the programme. Therefore, this court finds no reason to interfere with the impugned order. Hence, this writ petition is dismissed, giving liberty to the petitioner to renew his request after the general election. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 07-04-2026 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes vvk To 1.The Revenue Divisional Officer Mettur, Salem.
2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police Mettur, Salem.
3.The Inspector Of Police Karumalaikoodal Police Station, Salem.
4.Additional Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras 4/5
M.NIRMAL KUMAR J.
vvk AND WPMP CRL. NO.
07-04-2026 5/5