Pakkiyaraj v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 05.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY Pakkiyaraj ... Petitioner vs.

1.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Tahsildhar, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Sindhupatti Police Station, Madurai District.

4.Thavam

...Respondents

PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1 to 3 respondents to conduct an enquiry based on the petitioner's application, dated 24.05.2025 and to allow him to perform the Pooja ceremonies on the occasion of Ashta Banthana Maha Kumbhabiseka Festival of Arulmigu Shri Sangili Karuppa Samy, Arulmigu Seelaikari Amman situated at Koolnayakkan Bothampatti Village, Sindhupatti Panjayath, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District, which has been scheduled to be held on 5,6,7, 8.06.2025.

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For Petitioner : Mr.Balamuruganantham For R1 and R2 : Mr.S.Shanmugavel Additional Government Pleader For R3 : M/s.Aasha Government Advocate *****

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, tto direct the 1 to 3 respondents to conduct an enquiry based on the petitioner's application, dated 24.05.2025 and to allow him to perform the Pooja ceremonies on the occasion of Ashta Banthana Maha Kumbhabiseka Festival of Arulmigu Shri Sangili Karuppa Samy, Arulmigu Seelaikari Amman situated at Koolnayakkan Bothampatti Village, Sindhupatti Panjayath, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District, which has been scheduled to be held from 05.06.2025 to 8.06.2025.

2.The contention of the petitioner is that he is the hereditary Poojari in the temple. However, the 4th respondent who is the temporary member of the Kumbabishekam Committee is restraining the petitioner from doing his work as Poojari. Further, the temple is not coming under the purview of the Hindu Religious and Chaitable Endowments Act. Therefore, the Tahsildar is the appropriate authority to resolve the issue.

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3.Therefore, this Court is directing the 2nd respondent to conduct an enquiry by calling the petitioner and the 4th respondent and thereafter, pass appropriate orders. Since the function has already started, the order shall be passed within a period of two days from today, ie., 05.06.2025. 4.With the above observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

05.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes Tmg Note: Issue order copy on 05.06.2025.

To:

1.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Tahsildhar, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Sindhupatti Police Station, Madurai District.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

Tmg ORDER MADE IN DATED : 05.06.2025 4/4