G.Thangam v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 21-04-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR G.Thangam S/o Govindan, Kuthuraikaranur Village, Banapuram Post, Mettur Taluk, Salem District - 636 451.
..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The District Collector Salem Salem District - 636 001.
2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Mettur Taluk, Salem District - 636 401.
3. The Inspector Of Police Mecheri, Salem District - 636 453.
..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records from the 2nd respondent relating to the proceedings bearing in Na.Ka.No.38/thu/KA.Ka/Oli Peruki/Mettur/2026 dated 14.04.2026 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents 1 and 2 to grant permission and protection for the Adal Padal cultural program on 27.04.2026 and 29.04.2026 at Sri Sakthi Mariyamman Temple situated at Kuthuraikaranur Village, Banapuram Post, Mettur Taluk, Salem District.
For Petitioner(s):
Mr.M.Elumalai For Respondents:
Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam, Additional Public Prosecutor
ORDER
The Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order passed by the second respondent in Na.Ka.No.38/thu.Kaa.Ka/Oli Peruki/Mettur/2026 dated 14.04.2026 and for a consequential direction to the respondents 1 and 2 to grant permission and protection for the Adal Padal cultural program on 27.04.2026 and 29.04.2026 at Sri Sakthi Mariyamman Temple situated at Kuthuraikaranur Village, Banapuram Post, Mettur Taluk, Salem District. 2.The contention of the learned counsel for petitioner is that there is a temple in the name of Sri Sakthi Mariyamman Temple situated at Kuthuraikaranur Village, Banapuram Post, Mettur Taluk, Salem District for the past 30 years and holding of cultural programme is part of the temple festival. This year, the temple festival stated to be held on 27.04.2026 and 29.04.2026.
Hence, the petitioner made a request to the police to provide police bandobast. He further submitted that during the previous year, the petitioner obtained permission and conducted the cultural programme. The learned counsel, in support of his contention relied upon the order passed in W.P.(MD) No.7852 of 2024 dated 28.03.2024.
3.The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that petitioner's representation was received and due to the impending general election, police force could not be diverted. Hence, the petitioner's request was rejected. 4.The learned counsel for petitioner submitted that after the general election permission may be granted.
5.In view of the same, the petitioner to give details about the programme such as (i) on which date the cultural programme to be held, (ii) who is organising the programme, (iii) how many members will be participated, (iv) the timings of the cultural programme, (vi) expected crowd and (vii) an undertaking affidavit stating that the petitioner will be responsible for any untoward incident and would take all responsibility for peaceful conduct of the cultural programme along with committee members, if any. After getting appropriate undertaking from the petitioner and verifying the ground reality, the respondent police to consider the petitioner's representation positively. 6.With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. 21-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order RSI
M.NIRMAL KUMAR, J.
RSI To
1. The District Collector Salem, Salem District - 636 001.
2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Mettur Taluk, Salem District - 636 401.
3. The Inspector Of Police Mecheri, Salem District - 636 453.
4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.
21-04-2026