Mahadevan v. The Returning Officer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 30.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR Mahadevan ... Petitioner - Vs. -

1. The Returning Officer, Assistant Commissioner(Excise) Department, Nagercoil.

2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Colachel, Kanyakumari District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Puthukadai Police Station, Kanyakumari District.

.. Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 27.02.2026 and 28.03.2026 and consequently permit to conduct Santhana Kudam Procession on behalf of Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Kuttringkal on 31.03.2026 at 8.00 a.m, from Killiyoor Siva Temple to Kuttringkal Sree 1/5

Dharma Sastha Temple grant permission to conduct Sandalwood procession within the period that may be stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Jerin Mathew For R1 : Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate For R2 & R3 : Mr.R.Meenakshi Sundaram Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

The present petition has been filed by the President of Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Kuttringkal Village, Kanyakumari District, seeking a mandamus to direct the respondents to consider his representation dated 27.02.2026 and to permit to conduct Santhanakudam procession on behalf of Sree Dharma Sastha Temple on 31.03.2026 at 8.00 a.m., from Killiyoor Siva Temple to Kuttringkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple.

2. Perusal of the records reveal that the petitioner as President of the said temple had made a request to the first respondent herein on 28.03.2026 2/5

seeking permission to conduct the Santhanakudam procession festival which is a part of the Panguni Uthiram festival connected with the temple. So far the first respondent has not passed any order. Hence, the present petition.

3. Considering the above said facts, the first respondent is directed to grant permission to the petitioner temple to conduct the above said procession which is connected with the temple festival with usual conditions. The order shall be passed on today itself.

4. With the above conditions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No Costs.

30.03.2026 PJL Note:Issue order copy on 30.03.2026.

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TO

1. The Returning Officer, Assistant Commissioner(Excise) Department, Nagercoil.

2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Colachel, Kanyakumari District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Puthukadai Police Station, Kanyakumari District.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR,J PJL

ORDER

IN WP CRL.(MD) No.1820 of 2026 Date : 30.03.2026 5/5