Rathinam v. The Superintendent Of Police,
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :28.01.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P.Crl.(MD) No. 500 of 2026 Rathinam ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District, Madurai.
2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Madurai District, Madurai.
3.The Tahsildar, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District.
4.The Inspector of Police, Alanganallur Police Station, Madurai District.
5.Rajeshkannan ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 3 and 4 to form a committee consisting members Mutharayar, Maravar and Adhi Dravidar communities for the celebration
of Kumbabishegam festival scheduled to be held on 08.02.2026 for the Arulmighu Ayyanar Temple, Arulmighu Muniyandi Swamy Temple, Arulmighu Karupasamy Temple and Arulmighu Muthumariamman Temple situated at Melapanankadi, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 25.08.2026 and 28.01.2026.
For Petitioner :Mr.M.Ramu For Respondents :Mr.A.S.Abul Kaalam Azad, (for R1 to R4) Government Advocate (Crl. Side) Mr.A.K.Azagarsami (for R5)
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 3 and 4 to form a committee consisting members Mutharayar, Maravar and Adhi Dravidar communities for the celebration of Kumbabishegam festival scheduled to be held on 08.02.2026 for the Arulmighu Ayyanar Temple, Arulmighu Muniyandi Swamy Temple, Arulmighu Karupasamy Temple and Arulmighu Muthumariamman Temple situated at Melapanankadi, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District, based on the petitioner's
representation dated 25.08.2026 and 28.01.2026. 2.Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, learned Government Advocate (Crl.SIde) appearing for the respondents 1 to 4 and the learned counsel appearing for the fifth respondent. 3.The petitioner belongs to Melapanankadi Village, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai. The 5th respondent also belongs to the same village. The temple namely, Arulmighu Ayyanar Temple, Arulmighu Muniyandi Swamy Temple, Arulmighu Karupasamy Temple and Arulmighu Muthumariamman Temple, are situated in the same village. But, there are five community peoples residing in the same village. 4.One Sevugamoorthy filed a writ petition in W.P.(MD).No.168 of 2026. This Court vide order dated 21.01.2026 directed the HR and CE Department to appoint a fit person. It is submitted that a fit person was already appointed on 29.01.2026. The issue now before this Court is as to who should conduct the Kumbabishekam festival. The fifth respondent claims the right to conduct the Kumbabishekam. However, the
Kumbabishekam cannot be conducted by an individual, especially when there are five communities in the village and the order has already been passed for the appointment of a Fit Person. Hence, it would be appropriate to form a committee including the said villagers. 5.Therefore, a fit person is directed to appoint one person from each community and form a Committee. The fit person along with the Committee shall conduct the Kumbabishekam festival. There shall not be any "First Honour" to any person or community people. There shall not be any discrimination. The 5th respondent is directed to hand over all the relevant records to the Committee and the fit person. 6.With the above directions, this Writ petition stands disposed of. No Costs.
28.01.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes vsg Note:Issue order Copy on 02.02.2026.
To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District, Madurai.
2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Madurai District, Madurai.
3.The Tahsildar, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District.
4.The Inspector of Police, Alanganallur Police Station, Madurai District.
5.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.
S.SRIMATHY, J vsg W.P.Crl.(MD) No. 500 of 2026 28.01.2026