S.T. Lingam v. The District Collector,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 30.04.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI S.T.Lingam ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District.

2. The Deputy Collector, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildar, Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Koodankulam, Tirunelveli District.

... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to permit the villagers to celebrate the Kodai festival of Arulmigu Sri Pathirakali Amman Thirukoil on 11.05.2026,12.05.2026 & 13.05.2026 without animal sacrifice by following the rituals by considering the representation dated 11.03.2026. 1/6

For Petitioner : Mr.V.Panneer Selvam For Respondents : Mr.S.S.Manoj (R4) Government Advocate (Crl.) Mr.C.Satheesh (R1 to R3) Government Advocate (Civil)

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to permit the villagers to celebrate the Kodai festival of Arulmigu Sri Pathirakali Amman Thirukoil on 11.05.2026,12.05.2026 & 13.05.2026 without animal sacrifice by following the rituals by considering the representation dated 11.03.2026.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that, in the previous year, a peace committee meeting was held on 11.07.2025, wherein it was resolved that the rival factions may celebrate the temple festival separately. As per the said resolution, the petitioner's faction was permitted to conduct the festival in the month of May, while the rival faction was permitted to celebrate the same in the month of July. Pursuant thereto, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 11.03.2026 to the respondent police seeking permission to 2/6

conduct the Kodai festival during the current month. However, the said representation has not been considered. Hence, the present petition has been filed.

3. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondent police submitted that he is aware of the proceedings of the peace committee meeting and the resolution arrived at between the rival factions in the previous year.

4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the third respondent submitted that, in consonance with the decisions taken in the peace committee meeting held in the previous year, appropriate permission would be granted upon due consideration of the petitioner's representation.

5. Heard the learned counsel on either sides and carefully perused the materials available on record.

6. In view of the submissions made on either side, the third respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's representation dated 11.03.2026 and pass appropriate orders facilitating the petitioner to conduct the Kodai festival of 3/6

Arulmigu Sri Pathirakali Amman Thirukoil on 11.05.2026, 12.05.2026, and 13.05.2026, within a period of one week from today.

7. With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. 30.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 04.05.2026.

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TO:-

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District.

2. The Deputy Collector, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildar, Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Koodankulam, Tirunelveli District.

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

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

Sm Order made in Dated 30.04.2026 6/6