M.Shanmugam v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.03.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI M.Shanmugam ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Collector Office, Tirunelveli.

2. The Tasilthar, O/o. Tasilthar - Nanguneri, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Village Administrative Officer, Senbagaramanallur, Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Moolaikaraipatti Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

5. Muthukutty Asari

6. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.

... Respondents (R6 is suo motu impleaded vide order of this Court dated 26.03.2026 in this petition.) 1/6

PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondents 1 to 4 to ensure and permit the petitioner and the other devotees to peacefully participate in all the functions, rituals, arrangements and activities of the forthcoming temple Kodai festival at Senbagaramanallur Village, Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli District, and consequently forbear the respondent No.5 and his associates from in any manner obstructing or interfering with such participation. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Sangeetha Sri For Respondents : Mr.C.Satheesh (R1 to R3 & R6) Government Advocate (Civil) Mr.S.Ravi (R4) Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 1 to 4 to ensure and permit the petitioner and the other devotees to peacefully participate in all the functions, rituals, arrangements and activities of the forthcoming temple Kodai festival at Senbagaramanallur Village, Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli District, and consequently forbear the respondent No.5 and his associates from in any manner obstructing or interfering with such participation.

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2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the 5th respondent is obstructing the petitioner and his group from participating in the aforesaid temple festival. In this regard, they have given a representation on 24.01.2026 to the respondent police and the same is pending.

3. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the official respondents submitted that the petitioner and the fifth respondent are leaders of two rival groups, each claiming the right to conduct the festival. It was further submitted that the Revenue Divisional Officer, Cheranmahadevi, is the appropriate authority to convene a peace committee in this regard.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court. Since no adverse order is proposed to be passed against the private respondent, notice to him is dispensed with.

5. In view of the submission made by the learned Government Advocate, the Revenue Divisional Officer, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District, is suo motu impleaded as the 6th respondent, for whom, Mr.C.Satheesh, learned Government Advocate takes notice.

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6. Considering the fact and circumstances of this case, the sixth respondent is directed to conduct a peace committee between the petitioner's group and the 5th respondent's group on 07.05.2026 and pass appropriate orders facilitating the conduct of temple festival in the peaceful manner.

7. With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. 26.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 29.04.2026.

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TO:-

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Collector Office, Tirunelveli.

2. The Tasilthar, O/o. Tasilthar - Nanguneri, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Village Administrative Officer, Senbagaramanallur, Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Moolaikaraipatti Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

5. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.

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

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

Sm Order made in Dated 26.03.2026 6/6