Nagarajan R v. The Deputy Divisional Engineer
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENGH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.02.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY W.P.(MD)No.4700 of 2026 R.Nagarajan ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Deputy Divisional Engineer, National Highways Department, Kuzhithurai, Kanyakumari District.
2.The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil.
3.The Superintendent of Police, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil.
4.The Inspector of Police, Pudhukadai Police Station, Pudhukadai, Kanyakumari District.
... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents, particularly, the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.02.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law with regard to put decorated welcome arches 1/5
with Arulmigu Bhadhreswari Amman Photo in five places in the National Highways road heading Thengapattanam.
For Petitioner : Mr.J.Jeevin For R-1 and R-2 : Mr.K.Balasubramani, Special Government Pleader For R-3 and R-4 : Mr.A.Albert James, Government Advocate (Criminal Side)
O R D E R
This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents, particularly, the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.02.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law with regard to put decorated welcome arches with Arulmigu Bhadhreswari Amman Photo in five places in the National Highways road heading Thengapattanam.
2. Mr.K.Balasubramanai, learned Special Government Pleader takes notice for respondent Nos.1 and 2 and Mr.A.Albert James, Government Advocate (Criminal Side) takes notice for respondent Nos.3 and 4. By consent of both parties, the writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself. 2/5
3. It is the case of the petitioner that he is the President of the Devotees' Association of Arulmigu Sree Bhadreswari Amman Devasthanam, situated at Panangalmukku, Thengapattanam Post, Kanyakumari District. Every year, during the Tamil month of Maasi, the devotees celebrate a festival known as Maasi Thiruvizha and during this year, they intend to celebrate the said Thiruvizha on 22.02.2026. For celebrating the said festival in a grand manner, it is stated that the erection of welcome arches at various places is essential. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 02.02.2026 to the respondents seeking permission to erect welcome arches in front of the temple and at other places in Thengapattanam. However, the said representation has not been considered till date. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.
4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for respondent Nos.1 and 2 would submit that the petitioner's representation dated 02.02.2026 would be considered in accordance with law.
5. In view of the above submission, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this Court directs the first respondent 3/5
to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 02.02.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law on or before 21.02.2026, in view of the fact that the festival is scheduled to be held on 22.02.2026.
6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
19.02.2026 TSG Speaking/Non-speaking order Index : Yes / No Note : Issue Order Copy by 19.02.2026 To 1.The Deputy Divisional Engineer, National Highways Department, Kuzhithurai, Kanyakumari District.
2.The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil.
3.The Superintendent of Police, Kanyakumari District, Nagercoil.
4.The Inspector of Police, Pudhukadai Police Station, Pudhukadai, Kanyakumari District.
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KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.
TSG W.P.(MD)No.4700 of 2026 19.02.2026 5/5