L.K.Sivasubramanian v. The Revenue Divisional Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 27-05-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN L.K.Sivasubramanian, ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thiruchengodu, Namakkal District.

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Namakkal

3. The Fit Person/Executive Officer, Arulmighu Ponkaliamman Temple, Maraparai Village, Thiruchengodu Taluk, Namakkal District.

4. C.Ganesan, ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 3 herein to conduct the annual festival of Arulmighu Ponkaliamman Temple, situated in Marapparai Villagae, Thiruchengodu Taluk, Namakkal District, based on the representation dated 08.03.2026.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.S.V.Karthikeyan For Respondent(s):

Dr. R.Gowri, Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

Heard the learned Counsel for the writ petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents 1 to 3. 2.

Considering the nature of relief to be granted, issuance of notice to the 4th respondent is dispensed with.

3.

The petitioner is a resident of Maraparai Village, Tiruchengode Taluk, Namakkal District. The grievance of the petitioner is that the annual temple festival is not being conducted. Hence, he has filed the present writ petition to direct the authorities to conduct the festival. 4.

When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Additional Government Pleader submitted that there are two groups in the village and that even though peace committee meetings were periodically held, the dispute could not be resolved and that is why the temple festival could not be held. 5.

I am not able to endorse this contention. Merely because there is a rivalry between two groups, the temple deity cannot be held hostage. I have

already held vide order dated 30.07.2024 in W.P(MD)No.17824 of 2024 that a temple cannot be closed by citing law and order issue. The very same approach has to be adopted in the case of temple festivals also. The first respondent is directed to convene a Peace Committee meeting inviting all the parties concerned. It is well and good if resolution is arrived at. If no resolution is arrived at, the third respondent shall proceed to conduct the festival. The jurisdictional police are mandated to extend their fullest assistance to ensure the temple festival is peacefully conducted. Any person attempting to breach law and order has to be severely dealt with.

This Writ Petition is allowed accordingly. No costs. 27-05-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order bga/nsd To

1. The Revenue Divisional Officer Thiruchengodu Namakkal District

2. The Assistant Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Namakkal

3. The Fit Person/Executive Officer Arulmighu Ponkaliamman Temple Maraparai Village, Thiruchengodu Taluk Namakkal District

G.R.SWAMINATHAN J.

bga/nsd 27-05-2026