Ariraman v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 02.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE N. SATHISH KUMAR and W.M.P.No.28571 of 2024 Ariraman ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Manjakkuppam, Cuddalore District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Kadampuliyur Police Station, Cuddalore District.

4. A.Babu ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ or direction, forbearing respondents 2 and 3 from conducting temple annual festival of Sri Muthalamman temple festival in Meliruppu village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District for the year 2024, which is already completed from 22.08.2024 to 02.09.2024.

For Petitioner : Mr.L.Chandrakumar for Mr. G.Ramar For R1 to R3 : Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan Additional Public Prosecutor 1/5

For R4 : No Appearance

O R D E R

The Writ Petition has been filed seeking to forbear respondents 2 and 3 from conducting temple annual festival of Sri Muthalamman temple festival in Meliruppu village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District for the year 2024, which is already completed from 22.08.2024 to 02.09.2024. 2.

Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record. 3.

This Court, in a similar matter filed by the fourth respondent in W.P.(Crl.) No. 664 of 2025, seeking police protection to conduct the temple festival at Sri Muthalamman Temple, Meliruppu village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District, vide order dated 25.08.2025, passed the following order:- "In such view of the matter, having given the consent before this Court to conduct festival in a peaceful manner, now, no one has right to seek priority right. The 4th respondent is directed to give protection only when both the groups together are agreeing for conducting of festival and if they have not chose to come together for peaceful conduct of festival, the police need not issue any proceeding and in fact, the police can take action as per law in the event of any law and order issue arises." 2/5

4.

Since the order in respect of conducting the festival at Sri Muthalamman Temple, Meliruppu village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District, has already been passed, no further orders are required in this case. 5.

Accordingly, in view of the above direction passed by this Court in W.P.(Crl.) No. 664 of 2025 dated 25.08.2025, the present Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. However, if at all the parties are not willing to conduct festival jointly and seek to establish their individual rights through Police, such action cannot be permitted. The parties are directed to approach the civil Court concerned to have their rights declared. 02.09.2025 ham To

1. The District Collector, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Manjakkuppam, Cuddalore District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Kadampuliyur Police Station, Cuddalore District.

4. The Public Prosecutor, 3/5

High Court of Madras.

4/5

N. SATHISH KUMAR , J.

ham and W.M.P.No.28571 of 2024 02.09.2025 5/5