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Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/2242/2026disposed of

S.Thenan v. The Joint Commissioner,

2026-04-30Honourable Mrs Justice L.Victoria Gowri6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 30.04.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI W.P.Crl.(MD).No.2242 of 2026

1. S.Thenan

2. T.Thirupathi .... Petitioners Vs.

1. The Joint Commissioner Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,

2. The Assistant Commissioner Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,

3. The State of Tamilnadu Rep. through by the Inspector of Police, Puluthipatti Police Station,

4. The Election Officer / Sub Collector Thirupathur Taluk,

5. N.Selvam (R5 is Impleaded)

...Respondents

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Prayer : Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent 3 to grant prior permission and police protection for conducting the Panguni Festival Scheduled from 27/04/2026 till 11/05/2026 at Arulimighu Malayala Sastha Ayyanar Temple and Arulmighu Muthumariamman Temple, K.Pudhupatti Dharmapatti Post, Singapunari Taluk, Sivagangai District on the basis of the representations, resolution dated 12.04.2026 and the order dated 09.04.2026 made in W.P.Nos.2041, 2059/2026 and thus render justice.

For Petitioners : Mr.R.G.Shankar Ganesh For R1,R2 & R4 : Mr.C.Satheesh Government Advocate(Civil Side) For R3 : Mr.S.Ravi Additional Public Prosecutor For R5 : Mr.R.J.Karthick

ORDER

Pursuant to the order passed by this Court on 09.04.2026, the petitioner had complied with the beat of drums and with respect to the meeting to decide the date of temple festival and informed all the 2/6

Thalaikattutharas / temple taxpayers regarding the meeting which was held on 12.04.2026. As many as 300 persons participated in the said meeting and 237 persons had consented to conduct the festival on 27.04.2026.

2. However, the learned counsel for the impleading petitioner submitted that there are more than 1000 taxpayers who were not consulted. Hence, this Court directed the petitioner to fix a particular date.

3. The said date is now fixed in consultation with all the Thalaikattutharars and the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner may be permitted to conduct the temple festival from 08.05.2026 to 18.05.2026. The respondents are also amenable for the same.

4. In view of the same, the 3rd respondent is directed to grant permission and police protection for conducting the temple festival, scheduled to be held from 08.05.2026 to 18.05.2026 at Arulimighu Malayala Sastha Ayyanar Temple and Arulmighu Muthumariamman 3/6

Temple, K.Pudhupatti Dharmapatti Post, Singapunari Taluk, Sivagangai District. It is made clear that none of the persons should be prevented from participating in the temple festival and also no first honours shall be given to any of the parties.

5. With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. 30.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No Sml Note: Issue order copy on 04.05.2026.

To

1. The Joint Commissioner Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,

2. The Assistant Commissioner Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department,

3. The State of Tamilnadu Rep. through by the Inspector of Police, Puluthipatti Police Station, 4/6

4. The Election Officer / Sub Collector Thirupathur Taluk,

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

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

Sml W.P.Crl.(MD)No.2242 of 2026 30.04.2026 6/6