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Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/125/2026disposed of

M.Viswanathan v. The District Collector

2026-01-12Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy5 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.125 of 2026 M.Viswanathan ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, District Collectorate, Sivagangai.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Devakottai Division, Sivagangai District.

4. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thirupathur Division, Sivagangai District.

5. The Tahsildar, Singampunari Taluk Office, Sivagangai District.

6. The Inspector of Police, S.S.Kottai Police Station, Sivagangai District.

7. P.Ravindran ... Respondents 1/5

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 6 permit the Nondichamy temple bull, which was gifted to their community, is being prevented participating in the village temple festival and the necessary steps are being taken the ensure that the temple bull which was gifted to them participate in the upcoming Mattu Pongal on 16.01.2026 as per village custom and on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated village custom and on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 27.12.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Arunraj For R-1, 3 & 5 : Mr.M.Muthumanikkam Government Advocate (Civil Side) For R-2, 4 & 6 : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (Crl.side)

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to respondents 1 to 6 to permit the Nondichamy Temple bull, which was gifted to the petitioner's community, to participate in the village temple festival. The said bull is presently being prevented from participating in the festival, and therefore necessary directions are sought to ensure that the temple bull, which was gifted to the community, is permitted to participate in the upcoming Mattu Pongal 2/5

scheduled on 16.01.2026, in accordance with village custom and based on the petitioner's representation dated 27.12.2025.

2. The official respondents may permit the petitioner to conduct the said festival and allow the temple bull run, as it is a village custom traditionally followed in all the villages. The official respondents shall provide necessary police protection, and the fifth respondent / Tahsildar may take a call in this regard and grant permission accordingly.

3. With the above said direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No Costs.

12.01.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No jbr NOTE: Issue order copy on 13.01.2026 3/5

To

1. The District Collector, District Collectorate, Sivagangai.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Devakottai Division, Sivagangai District.

4. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thirupathur Division, Sivagangai District.

5. The Tahsildar, Singampunari Taluk Office, Sivagangai District.

6. The Inspector of Police, S.S.Kottai Police Station, Sivagangai District.

7. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

jbr W.P.Crl.(MD).No.125 of 2026 12.01.2026 5/5