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Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/364/2026disposed of

A.Senthilkumar v. The Superintendent Of Police

2026-01-30Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 30.01.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P.Crl.(MD).No.364 of 2026 A.Senthilkumar ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Superintendent of Police, O/o. The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District.

2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, O/o. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Oomachikulam, Othakadai, Madurai District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Oomachikulam Police Station, Madurai District.

4. The Tahsildar, North Taluk, Madurai District.

... Respondents (R-4 is Suo motu impleaded by this Court vide order dated 30.01.2026 in W.P.Crl.(MD)No.364 of 2025) 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 3 to grant permission and provide police protection for conducting the Annual festival of the Arulmigu Shri Chellathammal Temple and Arulmigu Shri 1/6

Ayyanar Temples "Thiruvilaku Poojai on 01.02.2026 and Kuthirai Eduppu Vizha', Nayyandi Melam, Pongal Vizha' and Sri Valli Thrumana Nadakam from 24.03.2026 to 27.03.2026 at Veerapandi Villge, Madurai District, based on the representation of the petitioner dated 03.01.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Ramsundarvijayraj For R-1 to R-3 : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Crl. Side) For R-4 : Mr.M.Muthumanikkam For Intervenor :Mr.Balasubramanian

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to grant permission and provide police protection for conducting the Annual festival of the Arulmigu Shri Chellathammal Temple and Arulmigu Shri Ayyanar Temples "Thiruvilaku Poojai on 01.02.2026 and Kuthirai Eduppu Vizha', Nayyandi Melam, Pongal Vizha' and Sri Valli Thrumana Nadakam from 24.03.2026 to 27.03.2026 at Veerapandi Villge, Madurai District, based on the petitioner's representation of dated 03.01.2026.

2. It is seen that there are a number of issues raised by the petitioner as 2/6

well as the intervenor. The petitioner submitted that there are eight communities represented in the festival committee. Even the intervenor has admitted that there are eight communities representing the committee. However, the issue now arises as to who should head the committee. According to the petitioner, each community should be given an opportunity to head the committee. However, according to the Tahsildar, the headship has been granted only to two communities and not to the others. This issue cannot be adjudicated in the present writ petition. If the petitioner, the intervenor, or other communities seek the right to head the committee, they must approach the competent Civil Court, seek framing of a scheme, and adhere to the same. Until now, it has been the practice that only two communities have been holding the post of head of the committee.

3. Considering the above facts, this Court is of the considered opinion that the existing practice cannot be modified in this writ petition. For the present year, R.Arulselvan, who has been assigned as the head of the committee, shall continue to hold the position. The other committee members are S.Ragupathi (Ambalam), A.Mani (Ambalam), P.Ravichandran (Servai), K.Arumugam (Pallar), A.Raman (Yadava), Sankar (Parayar) and Kaliyappan (Sakkiliyar). The said committee members shall conduct the festival for the present year. In case, if the petitioner wants to establish his right, he is at liberty 3/6

to approach the competent Civil Court. Likewise, if any person or community seeks to formulate or establish a scheme, they are at liberty to approach the competent Civil Court.

4. The police shall provide adequate police protection for conducting the festival. If any civil suit is filed, the same shall be independently considered on its own merits, based on evidence and documents.

5. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 30.01.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No jbr NOTE: Issue order copy on 30.01.2026 4/6

To

1. The Superintendent of Police, O/o. The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District.

2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, O/o. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Oomachikulam, Othakadai, Madurai District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Oomachikulam Police Station, Madurai District.

4. The Tahsildar, North Taluk, Madurai District.

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

5/6

S.SRIMATHY , J.

jbr W.P.Crl.(MD).No.364 of 2026 30.01.2026 6/6