Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/328/2026disposed of

G.Mahendran v. The District Collector

2026-01-21Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy5 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 21-01-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY WP Crl.(MD) NO. 328 of 2026 G.Mahendran Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector, Dindigul District.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Dindigul Division, Dindigul District.

3. The Tahsildar, Nilakottai Taluk, Dindigul District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Chinnalapatti Police Station, Dindigul District.

5. M.Rajendran President of newly Formed Committee of Arulmigu Sri Ramalinga Sowdeswariamman Thirukkovil.

6. Subramani Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s):

Mr.V. Vishnu For Respondent(s):

Mr.M. Muthumanikkam, Government Advocate (civil side), for R-1 to R-3 Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (crl. Side) for R-4 Mr.P. Samuel Gunasingh, for R-5 Mr.Yesudasan, for R-6 1/4

Prayer: To issue a writ or order or direction in the nature of Writ of Mandamus directing the 4th respondent to restraining the respondent 5 and 6, their agents, men through them from altering, removing, replacing, or tampering with the existing deity / Statue installed by the earlier temple committee in Arulmigu Sri Ramalinga Sowdeswariamman Thirukkovil and consequently restraining from conducting or proceeding with the proposed Kumbabishekam scheduled on 21.01.2026 based on such illegal alteration of the existing idol, and provide adequate police protection based on the petitioner's representation dated 19.01.2026 to prevent any unlawful acts or disturbance to public order.

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 4th respondent to restraining the respondent 5 and 6, their agents, men through them from altering, removing, replacing, or tampering with the existing deity / Statue installed by the earlier temple committee in Arulmigu Sri Ramalinga Sowdeswariamman Thirukkovil and consequently restraining from conducting or proceeding with the proposed Kumbabishekam scheduled on 21.01.2026 based on such illegal alteration of the existing idol, and provide adequate police protection based on the petitioner's representation dated 19.01.2026 to prevent any unlawful acts or disturbance to public order.

2. It is submitted that there were two idols, one beneath the surface and one above the surface and both were found to be damaged. As per customary practice, if an idol is damaged, it cannot be installed in any temple and should be 2/4

removed. Accordingly, the old idols were removed and a new idol was installed in their place.

3.Therefore, this Court is of the considered opinion that there is no valid reason to interfere with such findings.

4. Accordingly, this writ petition stands dismissed. No Costs. 21-01-2026 KSA To

1. The District Collector, Dindigul District.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Dindigul Division, Dindigul District.

3. The Tahsildar, Nilakottai Taluk, Dindigul District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Chinnalapatti Police Station, Dindigul District.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

KSA W.P.Crl.(MD)No.328 of 2026 21.01.2026 4/4

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