Rajendran v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 21/04/2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI Rajendran ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Collectorate,

2. The Superintendent of Police,

3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Thanjavur.

4. The Revenue Divisional Officer / The Election Officer, Aranthangi,

5. The Tahsildar, Aranthangi,

6. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Pudukkottai.

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7. The Inspector, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Veerakaaliyamman Kovil, Aranthangi Taluk,

8. The State of Tamilnadu Rep by the Inspector of Police, Manamelkudi Police Station,

9. Muthusamy ... Respondents PRAYER :- To issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the official respondents 2 and 8 to take appropriate steps to grant permission and to give police protection to temple festival by the THiruvappadi and Omakanvayal Villagers of Arulmigu Sri Omarudaiya Ayyanar Temple situate at Omakanvayal Village, Aranthangi Taluk, Pudukkottai District, schedule on 22.04.2026 to 01.05.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 13.04.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Paranjothi for M/s. Kbs Law Office For Respondents : Mr. C.Satheesh for R1, R3 to R6 and R7 Government Advocate (Civil Side) Mr.S.Ravi for R2 and R8 Additional Public Prosecutor 2/6

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed seeking Writ of Mandamus, directing the official respondents 2 and 8 to take appropriate steps to grant permission and to give police protection to temple festival by the THiruvappadi and Omakanvayal Villagers of Arulmigu Sri Omarudaiya Ayyanar Temple situate at Omakanvayal Village, Aranthangi Taluk, Pudukkottai District, schedule on 22.04.2026 to 01.05.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 13.04.2026.

2. Considering the limited scope of the relief sought for in this petition, notice to the nineth respondent is dispensed with.

3. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the third respondent submitted that already a fit person has been appointed for the administration of the temple and also for the peaceful conduct of temple festival in WP(MD)No.1462 of 2025 and the same is pending before this Court.

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4. In view of the fact that already Special Officer has been appointed for the conduct of Temple Festival, the Special officer of HR &CE Department is precisely directed to conduct the Temple festival, ensuring that no untoward incident happens between the factions of the petitioner as well as the 9th respondent. It is made clear that no first honour could be claimed by any of the parties and the Special Officer should facilitate the peaceful conduct of the temple ensuring the participation of all the people including the petitioner faction and the 9th respondent faction.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

21.04.2026 NCC : yes / no Index : yes / no Note : Issue order copy on 21.04.2026 pnn 4/6

To

1. The District Collector, Collectorate, Pudukkottai District.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Pudukkottai District.

3. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Thanjavur.

4. The Revenue Divisional Officer / The Election Officer, Aranthangi,

5. The Tahsildar, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai District.

6. The Inspector of Police, Manamelkudi Police Station,

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

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L. VICTORIA GOWRI, J pnn

ORDER

IN WP CRL.(MD) No.2279 of 2026 Date : 21/04/2026 6/6