Sekar v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 15.04.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.B.BALAJI Sekar ... Petitioner vs.
1.The District Collector, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.
2.The Tashildar, Kovilpatti Taluk, Thoothukudi District.
3.The Commissioner, Municipal Office, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi District.
4.The Station Officer, Fire & Rescue Service Station, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi District.
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5.The Electrical Inspector, Office of the Electrical Inspectorate, Thoothukudi District.
6.The Inspector of Police, Kovilpatti East Police Station, Thoothukudi District. 7.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Shenbagavalli Amman Udanurai Poovananathar Thirukovil, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi District.
... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 7 seeking for to take necessary steps to confirm the adoption of the safety measures as per the Tamil Nadu Public Places Resort Act, 1888 {as amended by the 1981 Act} based on the petitioner's representation dated 17.03.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Prabu For Respondents : Mr.D.Sasi Kumar (R1, R2, R4 & R5) Additional Government Pleader : Mr.J.Parkh Kumar (R3) Standing counsel : Mr.K.Sanjay Gandhi (R6) Government Advocate (Criminal Side) : Mr.J.Ashok (R7) Additional Government Pleader 2/8
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.) The petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition seeking a direction to the respondents 1 to 7 to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with safety measures as prescribed under the Tamil Nadu Public Places (Licensing) Act, 1888 (as amended by the Act of 1981), based on the petitioner's representation dated 17.03.2026. 2.By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself. 3.Mr.D.Sasi Kumar, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for respondents 1, 2, 4 and 5; Mr.J.Parekh Kumar, learned Standing Counsel, accepts notice for the third respondent; Mr.K.Sanjay Gandhi, learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side), accepts notice for the sixth respondent; and Mr.J.Ashok, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for the seventh respondent. 3/8
4.The petitioner contends that during the annual Chithirai Festival held at Arulmigu Poovanathaswamy Temple, Kovilpatti, serious safety violations occur in the installation and operation of giant wheels. According to the petitioner, mandatory licensing requirements and safety regulations under the relevant Act are not properly complied with, and the authorities have failed to conduct the necessary inspections. It is further alleged that unsafe practices, such as exposed electrical wiring, inadequate spacing between rides, obstruction of public pathways, overcrowding, and the operation of dilapidated amusement equipment, pose significant risks to public safety. The petitioner also claims that the temple management prioritizes profit over safety and has finalized tenders without ensuring compliance with statutory norms.
In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 17.03.2026 seeking implementation of safety measures, including proper spacing, regulated operations, and safe electrical arrangements. However, as no action was taken by the respondents, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition.
5.The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for respondents 1, 2, 4 and 5, on instructions, submitted that various departments have issued "No Objection Certificates" and that the District Collector, Thoothukudi, has recommended that all necessary safety measures will be ensured. He further submitted that, with regard to the alleged encroachment in the said temple, one P.Paramasivam had filed a Writ Petition in W.P (MD)No.10230 of 2026, which was dismissed by this Court by order dated 10.04.2026. He also submitted that the present petitioner is an unsuccessful bidder who has resorted to filing this Public Interest Litigation. 6.Considering the fact that all the departments have inspected the site and granted permission, we are not inclined to entertain the Writ Petition. However, all the official respondents shall ensure that adequate safety measures are strictly adhered to during temple festivals, particularly in the erection and operation of giant wheels.
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7.With the above observation, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
[N.S.K.,J.] [P.B.B.,J.] 15.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes ps 6/8
To 1.The District Collector, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.
2.The Tashildar, Kovilpatti Taluk, Thoothukudi District.
3.The Commissioner, Municipal Office, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi District.
4.The Station Officer, Fire & Rescue Service Station, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi District.
5.The Electrical Inspector, Office of the Electrical Inspectorate, Thoothukudi District.
6.The Inspector of Police, Kovilpatti East Police Station, Thoothukudi District. 7.The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Shenbagavalli Amman Udanurai Poovananathar Thirukovil, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi District.
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N.SATHISH KUMAR , J.
and P.B.BALAJI , J.
ps DATED : 15.04.2026 8/8