Madras High CourtWP(MD)/13913/2024disposed of

Sanjeevi Kumar v. The District Collector

2024-07-03Honourable Mr Justice G.R.Swaminathan6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.07.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN In W.P.(MD)No.13913 of 2024 Sanjeevi Kumar ... Petitioner Vs.

5.Thanaraja ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 3rd respondent to give permission for conducting Perum Poojai festival from 24.07.2024 to 27.07.2024 at Solaraja Temple, which is situated at Mettupatti Village, 1/6

Thiruthiyamalai Post, Musiri Taluk, Trichy District on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 15.06.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.Rajarajan for Mr.K.Arunraj For Respondents : Mr.G.V.Vairam Santhosh Additional Government Pleader for R1 to R3 : Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate (Crl.side) for R4 In W.P.(MD)No.12851 of 2024 Thanaraja ... Petitioner Vs.

5.Thangavel ... Respondents 2/6

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st to 3rd respondents to ensure joint conduct and celebration of "Perum Poojai" festival at Arulmigu Solairaja Swamy Temple at Mettupatti, Musiri Taluk, Trichy District with the participation of all 300 Thalaikattu Varithars without any discrimination, based on the petitioner's representation dated 06.06.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Ponkarthikeyan For Respondents : Mr.G.V.Vairam Santhosh Additional Government Pleader for R1 to R3 : Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate (Crl.side) for R4 : Mr.K.Arunraj for R5 COMMON ORDER Heard both sides.

2. The case on hand pertains to conducting the petition mentioned temple festival. The said festival is conducted once in 20 years. It was last conducted in the year 2005. There is consensus between both the petitioners that the usual procedure that is adopted may be followed when the festival is conducted this year also. In other words, both the counsel inform the Court that the families 3/6

are aware who should perform what role. I leave it to the good sense of the participants concerned, since it is not possible for the writ Court to specify the individual roles to be discharged, I only direct that festival shall be celebrated this year and the authorities will not prevent it.

3. The petitioner in W.P.(MD)No.13913 of 2024 states that out of 300 families, 280 families are of the view that celebration ought to be conducted this year as per the usual customs and traditions. The petitioner in W.P.(MD)No.12851 of 2024 claims that there are 125 families on his side and apprehends that they may be excluded. I make it clear that the festival should involve all the thalakattu families and that not even a single family shall be excluded from participation. Since the respective families know what role they should carry out, I would leave it to their good sense to fulfil the same. The jurisdictional Assistant Commissioner of HR & CE Department will nominate the area Inspector to observe the smooth conduct of the event.

4. These Writ Petitions are disposed of accordingly. No costs. 03.07.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi 4/6

To 5/6

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

rmi 03.07.2024 6/6