Poongavanam v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 03. 09.2024 C O R A M THE HONOURABLE Mr. JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Writ Petition No.25234 of 2024 and WMP.Nos.27563, 27564 & 27565 of 2024

1. Poongavanam

2. D.Permal ... Petitioner

Versus

1. The District Collector, Villupuram District, Villupuram 605 602.

2. The Sub Collector, Tindivanam, Villupuram District.

3. The Tahsildar, Gingee Taluk, Villupuram District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Gingee Police Station, Villupuram District.

5. Natesan

6. Athisamy

7. Munusamy ... Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus to call for the records 1/5

to call for the records relating to the impugned order dated 15.02.2024 passed by the 2nd respondent in the peace committee meeting relating to Mel Athipakkam village existing of Athi Amman,Mariamman, Pillayar Temple, Gangai Amman, Saneeshwaran, Murugan and Krishnar Temple, situated at Gingee Taluk, Villupuram District and to quash the same, consequently forbearing the respondents from interfering the administration and management of the temples by petitioners in all the temples in the village including the Krishnar temple which being the customary practice of the village.

For petitioner ... Mr.G.RM.Palaniappan For Respondents ... Mr.V.Baraidharan, AGP for R1, R2 & R3 ... Mr.L.Baskaran GA (Crl.Side) for R4

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed seeking quashment of the impugned order dated 15.02.2024 passed by the second respondent and to restrain the respondents from interfering with the administration and management of the temples, including the Krishnar Temple.

2. The brief facts of the case are that the Mel Athipakkam Village has a long standing tradition of collective worship and celebration of various temples, including Athi amman, Mariamman and Krishnar temples. The villagers comprising different communities, have jointly managed and 2/5

administered these temples. However, the private respondents, belonging to Yadava community, have erected a temporary shed in from of the Krishnar temple, restricting access to their community alone, which has created divisions among the villagers. Despite a Court order directing an inquiry to permit all community members to worship the Sakthi Vel Murugan temple, the peace committee meeting held on February 15, 2024, failed to resolve the issue. Therefore, the petitioners have preferred this Writ Petition with the above said prayer.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that this Court may pass an order directing the parties to approach the law enforcing agency for necessary permissions and police protection in case of any future disputes arising during the temple festival, ensuring a peaceful celebration in accordance with the customs and tradition of the village.

4. Heard both sides and perused the records.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances and the submissions made by the learned counsel for the petitioners, this Court directs to parties to approach the law enforcing agency for necessary permissions and police 3/5

protection in case of any future disputes arising during the temple festival.

6. With the above said directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 03.09.2024 jai Index: Yes/No Speaking Order: Yes/No To

1. The District Collector, Villupuram District, Villupuram 605 602.

2. The Sub Collector, Tindivanam,Villupuram District.

3. The Tahsildar, Gingee Taluk, Villupuram District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Gingee Police Station, Villupuram District.

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M.DHANDAPANI, J.

jai 03.09.2024 5/5