Balakrishnan N v. The Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 08.04.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH N.Balakrishnan : Petitioner Vs.

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, No.119, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Chennai - 600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Nilagirishwarar Thopu, Teppakulam Street, Tiruvanaikoil, Trichy - 620 005.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Tiruvanaikoil, Srirengam, Trichy - 620 005.

4. The Executive Officer, Uthamarkoil, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, No.1 Tolgate, Trichy - 621 216.

: Respondents 1/6

PRAYER: Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to monitor and conduct the Chithirai Thiruvizha Temple festival from 29.04.2025 to 01.05.2025 for Arulmigu Pidari Sri Anaiyalathammal Sangilikaruppu Temple at Koothur Village, Mannachannaloor Taluk, Trichy District on the base of the petitioner's representation dated 17.03.2025 within stipulated time of period.

For Petitioner : Mr.K.Gokul For Respondents : Mr.K.S.Selvaganesan Addl. Government Pleader for R1 to R3 Mr.V.Chandrasekar for R4

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to monitor and conduct the Chithirai Thiruvizha Temple festival from 29.04.2025 to 01.05.2025 for Arulmigu Pidari Sri Anaiyalathammal Sangilikaruppu Temple at Koothur Village, Mannachannaloor Taluk, Trichy District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 17.03.2025.

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2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The petitioner's case is that the Chithirai Temple Festival (Kumbabisegam) is scheduled to be held from 29.04.2025 to 01.05.2025 at the petition-mentioned temple. The main allegation of the petitioner is that few private parties are started collecting donations from the devotees and also they formed a committee with an intention to allow their family members only in the festival. The petitioner's grievance is that due to the aforesaid allegations, the petitioner and the other devotees are in apprehension that they will not be allowed inside the temple to worship. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 17.03.2025 to the respondents, requesting to monitor and conduct the festival peacefully. However, as no action has been taken, the petitioner has now filed the present writ petition.

4. Per contra, the learned Additional Government Pleader, appearing on behalf of the respondents 1 to 3, submitted that in order to ensure the peaceful conduct of the festival, irrespective of communities, 3/6

the Court may direct the fourth respondent to request the concerned Revenue Divisional Officer to conduct a peace committee meeting for the smooth conduct the temple festival peacefully.

5. In view of the above submissions, this Court is inclined to direct the fourth respondent to approach the concerned Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) to convene a peace committee meeting, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, for the peaceful conduct of the temple festival, ensuring the participation of all communities and to take necessary steps to maintain harmony during the event.

6. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 08.04.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No PKN 4/6

To

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, No.119, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Chennai - 600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Nilagirishwarar Thopu, Teppakulam Street, Tiruvanaikoil, Trichy - 620 005.

3. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Tiruvanaikoil, Srirengam, Trichy - 620 005.

4. The Executive Officer, Uthamarkoil, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, No.1 Tolgate, Trichy - 621 216 5/6

VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.

PKN W.P.(MD) No.9824 of 2025 08.04.2025 6/6