Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/198/2026disposed of

S.Selvam v. The Superintendent Of Police, Sivagangai,

2026-01-12Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 12.01.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY and W.P.M.P.Crl.(MD)Nos.58 & 59 of 2026 S.Selvam ... Petitioner Vs.

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

2.The Inspector of Police, Nerkuppai Police Station, Sivagangai District.

3.Sekappan ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent in Na.Ka. No.01/V1PS/Proceedings/2025 dated 29.12.2025, quash the same and consequently, directing respondent Nos.1 and 2 herein to give permission and police protection to the petitioner and the excommunicated 145 families for conducting Thai Pongal festival on 15.01.2026 and 16.01.2026 at Keezha Katcheri Koodam, Nerkuppai Village, Thiruppathur Taluk, Sivagangai District. For Petitioner : Mr.Shaji Chellam for Mr.S.Bharathy Kannan 1/4

For R1 & R2 : Mr.S.S.Manoj, Government Advocate (Criminal Side) For R3 : Mr.Balaji Nivas

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent in Na.Ka.No.01/V1PS/Proceedings/2025 dated 29.12.2025 and, consequently, to direct respondent Nos.1 and 2 to grant permission for police protection to the petitioner and the excommunicated 145 families for conducting Thai Pongal festival on 15.01.2026 and 16.01.2026 at Keezha Katcheri Koodam, Nerkuppai Village, Thiruppathur Taluk, Sivagangai District.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

3. It is submitted that there are a total of 275 families in the petitioner's village. Out of the said 275 families, 145 families are supporting the petitioner, while the remaining 135 families are supporting another group which is a Trust. The said calculation is incorrect, since by totaling it is not 275 families. Further the Trust claims ownership over the trust properties. Even though the petitioner 2/4

claims that he is supported by 145 families, the same cannot be considered since the petitioner is an individual and not respecting any registered body. In such circumstances, the petitioner cannot be permitted to keep Pongal in the Trust properties.

4. Having regard to the facts and circumstances of the case and in order to facilitate the conduct of the festival, the petitioner is directed to make a fresh representation before the first respondent forthwith. The first respondent is directed to consider the said representation on merits and in accordance with law and to allocate a place other than the trust property. The date and time for conducting the said festival shall also be fixed by the first respondent. It is made clear that the petitioner and the families who are alleged to be supporting the petitioner shall not disturb the other group and its properties, who have registered trust.

5. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. Consequently, the connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed. 12.01.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes mkn 3/4

S.SRIMATHY, J.

mkn To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

2.The Inspector of Police, Nerkuppai Police Station, Sivagangai District.

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

and W.P.M.P.Crl.(MD)Nos.58 & 59 of 2026 12.01.2026 4/4