Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/1595/2026disposed of

K.Vijayapandi v. The District Collector

2026-03-23Honourable Mrs Justice L.Victoria Gowri4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 23.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI W.P.Crl(MD)No.1595 of 2026 K.Vijayapandi ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, District Collector Office, Sivagangai District.

2.The State of Tamil Nadu, rep., by the Inspector of Police, Kalaiyarkovil Police Station, Kalaiyarkovil, Sivagangai District.

3.The Committee Members, Mandapidari Amman Temple, Muthur, Kaliyarkovil Taluk, Sivagangai.

... Respondents PRAYER :-Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first and second respondents to conduct enquiry and take appropriate action against the third respondent and consequently ensure that the petitioner is permitted to make the customary festival contribution (Thalakattu vari) and to participate in the upcoming 8-days festival commencing on 24.03.2026 1/4

in the Mandapidari Amman Temple without any obstruction, within a time frame to be stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Ms.S.Mahalakshmi For R1 : Mr.M.Muthumanikkam Government Advocate (Civil.side) For R2 : Mr.M.Sakthikumar Government Advocate (Crl.side)

ORDER

Seeking to direct the first and second respondents to conduct enquiry and take appropriate action against the third respondent and consequently, ensure that the petitioner is permitted to make the customary festival contribution (Thalakattu vari) and to participate in the upcoming 8-days festival commencing on 24.03.2026 in the Mandapidari Amman Temple without any obstruction, this writ petition is filed.

2. Since no adverse order is going to be passed against the third respondent, notice to them is dispensed with. 3.The learned Government Advocate, on instructions, submitted that already enquiry was conducted and the temple Committee had given 2/4

in writing that they are ready to receive 'Thalaikattu Vari' to the tune of Rs.35,000/- and also permit the petitioner to participate in all the aforesaid temple festival commencing from 24.03.2026. 4.Recording the same, this Writ Petition is disposed of directing the petitioner to pay 'Thalaikattu Vari' and participate in the aforesaid temple festival. If the petitioner finds that 'Thalaikattu vari' as required by the temple Committee to the tune of Rs.35,000/- is exorbitant, he can worship and participate in the aforesaid temple festival, without any obstruction and without paying 'Thalaikattu vari'. 23.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Rmk Note : Issue order copy on 23.03.2026 To 1.The District Collector, District Collector Office, Sivagangai District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Kalaiyarkovil Police Station, Kalaiyarkovil, Sivagangai District.

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

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI,J Rmk W.P.Crl(MD)No.1595 of 2026 23.03.2026 4/4