Madras High CourtWP(MD)/13389/2021disposed of

Manikandan v. The District Collector

2021-08-03Honourable Mr Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy3 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 03.08.2021

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY and W.M.P(MD).No.10345 of 2021 Manikandan ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Dindigul, Dindigul District.

2. The Thasildar, Office of the Thasildar, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Eriodu Police Station, Eriodu, Dindigul District.

4. Thiru.Sevanthiappan ... Respondents Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to not to permit the fourth respondent for conducting Aadi Peruku Festival on 03.08.2021, in Dindigul District, Vedasandu Taluk, E.Chitur Village, Nallamanayakanpatti Arulmigu Kaliamman Temple till disposal of the I.A.No.78 of 2021 in O.S.No.Unnumbered of 2021 pending before the learned Sub Court, Vedasandur, Dindigul District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 24.07.2021 in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Rajaselvan For Respondents : Mr.P.Subbaraj, Counsel for State for R1 to R3

O R D E R

The petitioner seeks to prevent the fourth respondent from conducting the Aadi Peruku festival on 03.08.2021 at E.Chitur Village, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District. The petitioner claims that persons belonging to his community have been worshipping at the Arulmigu Kaliamman Temple for several generations. It is stated that a civil suit has been filed on behalf of the members of the petitioner's community and that such civil suit is pending. The 1/3

present writ petition is filed on the basis of the apprehension that the fourth respondent would conduct the Aadi Peruku festival at the aforesaid temple.

2. Mr.P.Subbaraj, learned counsel for the State, accepts notice on behalf of respondents 1 to 3 and submits on instructions that the permission for the conduct of the aforesaid festival was rejected by the police authorities vide communication dated 02.08.2021. He has produced a copy of such communication.

3. Upon perusal of the communication dated 02.08.2021, it is clear that permission has been rejected principally on the basis that the Covid pandemic does not permit the conduct of festivals associated with a temple or otherwise because such festivals would result in further spread of the pandemic.

4. In light of the aforesaid communication of 02.08.2021, nothing survives of the present writ petition. However, it is hoped that the police department and the other authorities concerned will ensure that Covid- appropriate behavior is observed and that people are not permitted to gather in large numbers either in connection with the Aadi Peruku festival or otherwise.

5. W.P(MD).No.13389 of 2021 is disposed of with the above observations and without any order as to costs. Consequently, W.M.P (MD).No.10345 of 2021 is closed.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar (W) // True Copy // / /2021 Sub Assistant Registrar(CS) pkn To

1. The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Dindigul, Dindigul District.

2. The Thasildar, Office of the Thasildar, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Eriodu Police Station, Eriodu, Dindigul District.

2/3

+1 CC to M/s.SPL GP ( SR-25171[F] dated 04/08/2021 ) +1 CC to M/s.R.RAJASELVAN, Advocate ( SR-25238[F] dated 04/08/2021 ) 03.08.2021 SSS(CO) KB(11.08.2021) 3P 6C 3/3