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Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/172/2026disposed of

Singaraj v. The Superintendent Of Police,

2026-01-12Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.01.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P. Crl. (MD) No.172 of 2026 Singaraj ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2. The Sub-Inspector of Police, Koombur Police Station, Dindigul District.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to permit to conduct the Cock Fight at Sri Vinayagar, Sri Kaliyamman, Sri Bagavathiamman Temple, situated at Rasagoundanur, Viruthalaippatti Village, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District, on account of Pongal Festival from 14.01.2026 to 16.01.2026 for three days on the basis of the representation dated 05.01.2026 within the time stipulated by this Court.

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For petitioner : Mrs.J.Balameenakshi For Respondents : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Criminal Side) *****

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the second respondent to permit to conduct the cock-fight at Sri Vinayagar, Sri Kaliyamman, Sri Bagavathiamman Temple, situated at Rasagoundanur, Viruthalaippatti Village, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District, on account of Pongal Festival from 14.01.2026 to 16.01.2026 for three days on the basis of the representation dated 05.01.2026 within the time stipulated by this Court.

3. Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) takes notice for respondent Nos.1 and 2.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that every year in the village, the villagers use to conduct cock-fight, a traditional game, during Pongal festival. It is contended that this year also seeking permission from 2/6

the authorities to conduct cock-fight from 14.01.2026 to 16.01.2026, the petitioner made a representation to the respondents on 05.01.2026. However, the said representation has not been considered till date. Hence, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.

5. It is contended that in a number of similar matters, this Court has directed the authorities to grant permission to conduct cock-fight, imposing certain conditions.

6. Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondents would submit that in the event of this Court granting permission, stringent conditions may be imposed for the smooth conduct of the event.

7. In view of the similar orders passed by this Court, the second respondent is directed to give permission to the petitioner to conduct cock-fight for one day viz., 15.01.2026, subject to the following conditions: 3/6

(i). The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shall assist during the conduct of 'Cock-Flight'.

(ii). The SPCA shall verify that no knives or blades are tied and that the cocks eyes not stitched in any manner.

(iii). Only after such verification, the cocks may be permitted to participate in 'cock-fight.

(iv). It is made clear that such an event shall be supervised by the first respondent, as well as by the Veterinary Doctor of nearby Government Veterinary hospital or nearby station.

(v). The petitioner shall bear the expenses towards police protection as well as the expenses towards the Veterinary Doctor. (vi). It is made clear that the organizer should take precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incident while conducting the event of cock fight. All the above terms and conditions should be followed scrupulously by the petitioner and the petitioner shall file an affidavit of undertaking to the said effect before the second respondent.

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(vii). On failure to comply with any of the above conditions by the petitioner, it is open to the respondent Police to take action against him.

8. With the above direction, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 12.01.2026 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No TSG Note : Registry is directed to issue Order Copy by 12.01.2026 To

1. The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2. The Sub-Inspector of Police, Koombur Police Station, Dindigul District.

3. The Additional Public Prosecutor Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai 5/6

S.SRIMATHY , J.

TSG W.P. Crl.(MD) No. 172 of 2026 12.01.2026 6/6