Vellaisamy.C v. The Revenue Divisional Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 01.04.2021 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE Mrs.JUSTICE R.HEMALATHA C.Vellaisamy

...Petitioner

/Vs./ 1.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District.

2.The Tahsildar, Thiruchuli Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

3.The Sub Inspector of Police, M.Reddiapatti Police Station,

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to grant permission and protection to conduct cultural events on 09.04.2021 and 10.04.2021 in connection with the festival of Arulmighu Sri Santhanamariyamman Kovil at Mandapasalai Village, Aruppukkottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

For Petitioner : Mr.A.Ananda Raj For Respondents : Mr.S.Chandra Sekar Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final hearing at the admission stage itself.

2.Mr.S.Chandra Sekar, learned Additional Public Prosecutor accepts notice for the respondents.

3.Mr.A.Ananda Raj, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is the President of the festival committee of Arulmighu Sri Santhanamariyamman Kovil at Mandapasalai Village, Aruppukkottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District and that cultural events are scheduled to be held on 09.04.2021 and 10.04.2021. His further contention is that he submitted a representation dated 23.03.2021 to the respondents seeking permission to conduct the said programme and till date, no action has been taken by the respondents.

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4.The contention of Mr.S.Chandra Sekar, learned Additional Public Prosecutor is that as per G.O.(Ms)No.654 (Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department) dated 21.11.2020, the District Collector is the competent authority to consider the request of the petitioner.

5.Considering the said submissions made by the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, the petitioner, if so advised, can file a fresh petition before the District Collector, Virudhunagar District and on receipt of the same, the District Collector is at liberty to pass appropriate orders, based on merits and on findings and in accordance with law, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of the representation of the petitioner.

6.With the above observation, this petition is disposed of. No costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar (CS-III) // True Copy // / /2021 Sub Assistant Registrar(CS) Note :

In view of the present lock down owing to COVID-19 pandemic, a web copy of the order may be utilized for official purposes, but, ensuring that the copy of the order that is presented is the correct copy, shall be the responsibility of the advocate/litigant concerned.

To 1.The District Collector, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District.

3.The Tahsildar, Thiruchuli Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

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4.The Sub Inspector of Police, M.Reddiapatti Police Station, 5.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court,Madurai.

01.04.2021 GS(21.04.2021) 3P 6C 3/3