Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/1270/2026disposed of

Thanavel v. The District Collector

2026-02-27Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy5 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 27.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY and W.M.P.Crl.(MD).No.320 of 2026 Thanavel ... Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, District Collectorate Office, Dindigul District.

2.The Tahsildar, Tahsildar Office, Nilakkottai Taluk, Dindigul District.

3.The Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Police Office, Dindigul.

4.The Inspector of Police, Ammaiyanayakkanur Police Station, Dindigul District.

5.Rajendran 6.Kamaraj ... Respondents 1/5

PRAYER :-This petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 3 and 4 to permit the petitioner to worship the Sri Muthalamman Village Temple, situated at Thoppinayakkanpatti, Kodairoad Post, Nilakkottai Taluk, Dindigul District, by permanently opening the temple based on the petitioner's representation dated 20.02.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.V.Muthusamundeeswaran Advocate.

For Respondents : Mr.P.Thambidurai Government Advocate (for R1 & R2) Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) (for R3 & R4)

ORDER

This petition has been filed for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 3 and 4 to permit the petitioner to worship the Sri Muthalamman Village Temple, situated at Thoppinayakkanpatti, Kodairoad Post, Nilakkottai Taluk, Dindigul District, by permanently opening the temple based on the petitioner's representation dated 20.02.2026.

2/5

2.According to the petitioner, respondents 5 and 6 are locking the temple; otherwise, the temple would remain open at all times. 3.Admittedly, there are two groups. Therefore, the second respondent/Tahsildar is directed to conduct an enquiry after issuing notice to the petitioner and the private respondents and to pass appropriate orders on merits, in accordance with law, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is made clear that all persons are permitted to worship, and no one shall prevent any person from worshipping inside the temple. 4.With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected writ miscellaneous petition is closed.

27.02.2026 Index:yes/No Internet:Yes/No NCC:Yes/No vsg 3/5

TO 1.The District Collector, District Collectorate Office, Dindigul District.

2.The Tahsildar, Tahsildar Office, Nilakkottai Taluk, Dindigul District.

3.The Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Police Office, Dindigul.

4.The Inspector of Police, Ammaiyanayakkanur Police Station, Dindigul District.

5.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. 4/5

S.SRIMATHY,J., vsg

ORDER

IN WP CRL.(MD) No.1270 of 2026 Date :27.02.2026 5/5