P.Munusamy v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 24.09.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE G.JAYACHANDRAN & W.M.P.No.21370 of 2024 P.Munusamy.

... Petitioner /versus/

1. The District Collector, Ranipet District Collectorate Office,

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Ranipet Revenue Divisional Office, Ranipet Distirct.

3. The Superintendent of Police, Ranipet Superintendent Police Office,

4. The Thasildar, Sholinghur Taluk Office,

5. The Revenue Inspector, Sholinghur Taluk Office,

6. The Inspector of Police, Sholinghur Police Station, 1/6

7. The Sub-Inspector of Police, Kondapalayam Police Station,

8. The Village Administrate Officer, Pulivalam VAO Office,

9. N.Manikkam.

10. M.Srinivasan.

11. M.Ravi.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition has been filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the relevant records relating to the order No. Na. Ka. M1/10/2024, dated on 24.05.2024 passed by the 4th respondent and quash the same and consequently to the respondents and permit the petitioner to conduct festival held on 21/07/2024 at Sri Poovathamman Temple at Kattarikuppam Village, Sholinghur Taluk. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Vekatesan For R1 to R8 : Mr.S.Udaya Kumar Government Advocate (Crl.Side) For R9 to R11 : Mr.S.Sasikumar 2/6

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed by Village Chief to quash the proceedings of the 4th respondent dated 24.05.2024 and permit him to conduct Temple festival of Sri Poovathamman Temple, Kattarikuppam Village, Sholinghur Taluk.

2. According to the petitioner, the Thasildar, Sholinghur Taluk has passed the impugned order restraining the villagers from conducting the Temple festival taking into consideration members of two parties are not agreeable to join together and conduct the Temple festival as agreed by them earlier in the peace committee meeting dated 14.05.2024. Contending that the issue between both the groups erupted after the peace committee meeting since the priest of the Temple belongs to one particular political party dressed the deity with the border of the said political party and earn the wrath of the villagers.

3. When the petitioner suggested to change the priest, the respondents 9 to 11 not ready to change the priest and therefore, consensus between two groups could not be achieved. However, being the hereditary headman, he must be permitted to conduct the festival and quash the order of 3/6

the Tahsildar dated 24.05.2024.

4. After notice, the respondents 9 to 11 entered appearance through their Counsel and submitted that they are amenable for join conduct of the Temple festival and they have no issues even if the petitioner wants to change the priest if the conduct of the existing priest is objectionable.

5. The Learned Counsels were requested to suggest the name of alternate priest, who can carry on the duties of Priest in the Temple. The two names were suggested on either side. Both of them are from same village and qualified to be the Temple priest.

6. The Learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for the respondents among the two names suggested one Thiru. Kothandapani, S/o.Munuisamy, residing at No.55, Bajanai Koil Street, Kattaraikuppam Village, Sholinghur Taluk, Ranipet District to be the priest of the said Temple, after getting due informations from the local police. 4/6

7. In the light of the above fact, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to set aside the impugned order passed by the Tahsildar and permitting the villagers to conduct the Temple festival jointly after due intimation to the local police. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

24.09.2024 Index : Yes/No.

: Yes/No.

bsm To:-

1. The District Collector, Ranipet District Collectorate Office, Ranipet District.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Ranipet Revenue Divisional Office, Ranipet Distirct.

3. The Superintendent of Police, Ranipet Superintendent Police Office,

4. The Thasildar, Sholinghur Taluk Office, Ranipet District.

5. The Revenue Inspector, Sholinghur Taluk Office, Ranipet District.

6. The Inspector of Police, Sholinghur Police Station, Ranipet District.

7. The Sub-Inspector of Police, Kondapalayam Police Station, Ranipet District.

8. The Village Administrate Officer, Pulivalam VAO Office, Ranipet District.

9. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras. 5/6

Dr.G.JAYACHANDRAN,J.

bsm 24.09.2024 6/6