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Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/914/2026dismissed

P.Babu v. The District Collector,

2026-02-17Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17-02-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY P. Babu Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector,

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Madurai - 65001.

3. The Superintendent of Police,

4. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Trichy Division, Virudhunagar District.

5. The Inspector of Police, Narikudi Police Station, Virudhunagar District.

6. Selvarani Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s) : Mr.N. Kartikkanna For Respondent(s): Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (crl. Side), for R-3 to R-5 Mr.M. Muthumanikkam, Government Advocate, for R-1 & R-2 Mr.N. Dilip Kumar, for R-6 1/6

Prayer: To issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 3 to 5 to give adequate police protection for the conduct of 'Ennai Kaappu Eduththal' ritual during Masi Maha Sivarathiri Urchava Thiruvizha by the petitioner's Pangali vagaiyar on 18.02.2026 at 'Arulmigu Murugayyanar @ Karaimel Murugan Thirukkoyil' at Veerakudi Village, Narikudi, Thiruchuli Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 3 to 5 to give adequate police protection for the conduct of 'Ennai Kaappu Eduththal' ritual during Masi Maha Sivarathiri Urchava Thiruvizha by the petitioner's Pangali vagaiyar on 18.02.2026 at 'Arulmigu Murugayyanar @ Karaimel Murugan Thirukkoyil' at Veerakudi Village, Narikudi, Thiruchuli Taluk,

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that there is a dispute regarding the permission to bring an oil pot. The petitioner was initially permitted to carry the oil pot and offer it to the deity, 2/6

however, this was disputed by the 6th respondent. Consequently, this writ petition has been filed.

3. Since this petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the Court finds that the issue cannot be resolved through this writ. A Peace Committee meeting was convened by the Inspector of HR & CE Department, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District, on 16.02.2026, wherein the parties were informed that they are at liberty to approach the competent civil court to establish their rights.

4. As regards the conduct of the festival, only the Poosari has the authority. Therefore, the petitioner cannot be permitted to exercise such rights this year. If the petitioner seeks to assert these rights, he should approach the competent civil court. In view of the above, this Court is not inclined to entertain the present writ petition. 3/6

5. Accordingly, this writ petition stands dismissed. No Cots. 17-02-2026 KSA 4/6

To

1. The District Collector,

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Madurai - 65001.

3. The Superintendent of Police,

4. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Trichy Division, Virudhunagar District.

5. The Inspector of Police, Narikudi Police Station,

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

5/6

S.SRIMATHY,J KSA

ORDER

IN WP CRL.(MD) No.914 of 2026 Date : 17.02.2026 6/6