N.V. Murugan v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.03.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI N.V.Murugan ... Petitioner Vs.
1. The District Collector, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.
2. The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.
3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Thoothukudi(Rural), Thoothukudi District.
4. The Inspector of Police, Murappanadu Police Station, Thoothukkudi District.
... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to give permission for "Rekhla Race" function scheduled on 21.03.2026 and adequate protection for the temple kodai festival of Arulmigu Kalyani @ Kaniyamman Temple, Agaram, Thoothukudi District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 14.02.2026.
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For Petitioner : Mr.V.M.Jegadeesha Pandian For Respondents : Mr.S.Ravi Additional Public Prosecutor
ORDER
This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents to give permission for "Rekhla Race" function scheduled on 21.03.2026 and adequate protection for the kodai festival of Arulmigu Kalyani @ Kaniyamman Temple, Agaram, Thoothukudi District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 14.02.2026.
2. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent police submitted that the temple committee had already submitted an application seeking proper police protection and other necessary permissions for the conduct of the temple festival, and the same had been granted by way of a written permission, subject to certain conditions. It was further submitted that the temple committee had given a written undertaking agreeing to abide by the said conditions and had specifically stated that it would not conduct any rekhla race. The said undertaking was also placed before this Court for perusal and the same reads as follows:- 2/6
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3. Heard the learned counsel on either sides and carefully perused the materials available on record.
4. Though the learning counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that he is unaware as to whether the person who had given the written undertaking really belongs to the temple committee, it is the considered opinion of this Court that the police could not have obtained any such statement from 3rd parties.
5. In view of the written undertaking given by the temple committee, I do not find any merit in this petition and this writ petition stands dismissed accordingly.
18.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm TO:-
1. The District Collector, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.
2. The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.
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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.
Sm
3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Thoothukudi(Rural), Thoothukudi District.
4. The Inspector of Police, Murappanadu Police Station, Thoothukkudi District.
5. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.
Order made in Dated 18.03.2026 6/6