Rajendran v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 29-01-2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY WP Crl.(MD) NO. 440 of 2026 Rajendran Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The District Collector Tenkasi District.
2. The Superintendent of Police Tenkasi District.
3. The Revenue Divisional Officer Tenkasi District.
4. The Tahsildar Kadayanallur Taluk Tenkasi District.
5. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Tenkasi District.
6. The Inspector of Police Aiykudi Police Station Tenkasi District.
7. The Sub Inspector of Police Sambavar Vadakarai Police Station Tenkasi District.
8. R.Sankara Ramalingam Erstwhile President Mathang Koil Street Sambavar Vadakarai Kadayanallur Taluk Tenkasi District.
9. S.Karuppasamy
10. Annamalai
11. S.Sankararaman Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s): Mr.T.S.Mohamed Mohideen For Respondent(s): Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Crl.side) for R2 Mr.M.Muthu Manikkam Government Advocate for R1 and R3 Mr.R.J.Karthick for R9 to R11 Prayer:
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to dispose the representation dated 05.01.2026 of the petitioner and to provide police protection for the peaceful administration and celebration of Maasi Maha Shivaratri festival scheduled from 05.02.2026 to 16.02.2026 and on 22.02.2026 at Sri Angala Parameswari Temple in Sambavar Vadakarai at Tenkasi District.
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to dispose the representation dated 05.01.2026 of the petitioner and to provide police protection for the peaceful administration and celebration of Maasi Maha Shivaratri festival scheduled from 05.02.2026 to 16.02.2026 and on 22.02.2026 at Sri Angala Parameswari Temple in Sambavar Vadakarai at Tenkasi District.
2. In the previous year also, the same issue was raised and this Court has already considered the same in WP(MD)No.3954 of 2025 and has passed an order, dated 14.02.2026. The relevant portion of the order is extracted hereunder: "7. Considering the submissions made by both side counsels and considering that the Maasi Maha Shivaratri festival is already scheduled from 16.02.2025 to 26.02.2025, this Court is inclined to pass the following orders: a) Both the parties are directed to conduct Maasi Maha Shivaratri festival from 16.02.2025 to 26.02.2025, without any law and order issue and disturbance to general public.
b) The 5th Respondent is directed to give adequate police protection at the time of conducting the Maasi Maha Shivaratri festival. At the same time, if any law and order issue created by any of the parties, the fifth respondent is at liberty to take appropriate action in the manner known to law." 3.Therefore, both the petitioner and the private respondents are directed to conduct the festival. As far as administration is concerned, the same is left open and the parties are at liberty to approach the competent authority and forum. 4.Mr.R.Jagadesan and Mr.E.S.Kailasam, are appointed as Advocate Commissioners to monitor the celebration. The petitioner is directed to pay Rs.40,000/- for Mr.R.Jagadesan and Rs.25,000/- for Mr.E.S.Kailasam as remuneration.
5.With the above observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
29-01-2026 Tmg Note: Issue order copy on 30.01.2026.
To
1. The District Collector Tenkasi District.
2. The Superintendent of Police Tenkasi District.
3. The Revenue Divisional Officer Tenkasi District.
4. The Tahsildar Kadayanallur Taluk Tenkasi District.
5. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Tenkasi District.
6. The Inspector of Police Aiykudi Police Station Tenkasi District.
7. The Sub Inspector of Police Sambavar Vadakarai Police Station Tenkasi District.
8.Mr.R. R.Jagadesan, (E.No.263/1980), 145-C-South Masi Street, Tenkasi.
Contact No.9443613399.
9.Mr.E.S.Kailasam, (E.No.250/2001), 22, East Street, Elathur-627 803, Tenkasi District.
Contact No.9443613476.