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Madras High CourtWP Crl.(MD)/2977/2026disposed of

K.Rajinimalai v. The District Collector, Thoothukudi District

2026-06-05Honourable Mrs Justice L.Victoria Gowri6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 05.06.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI K.Rajinimalai ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Thoothukudi District.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.

3.The Tahsildar, Vilathikulam Taluk, Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi District.

4.The Inspector of Police, Soorangudi Police Station, Thoothukudi District.

5.Senthilkumar ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to take action against the 5th respondent for violating the peace committee resolutions and to prevent the 5th respondent from conducting temple festival individually based on the representation of the petitioner, dated 20.05.2026 within stipulated time. For Petitioner : Ms.S.Prakashini for Mr.T.A.Ebenezer 1/6

For Respondents : Mr.K.Saravanan (R1 & R3) Counsel for State of TN(Civil) Mr.S.Arun Arockiasamy (R2 & R4) Counsel for State of TN (Crl.) Mr.S.Ramakrishnan (R5)

ORDER

Seeking to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to take action against the 5th respondent for violating the peace committee resolutions and to prevent the 5th respondent from conducting temple festival on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 20.05.2026, this writ petition is filed.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner Ms.Prakashini vehemently submitted that earlier, a peace committee was conducted by the Tahsildar, Vilathikulam on 24.07.2018 between two groups with respect to the same temple namely Arulmigu Mariamman Thirukoil, Vembar Village, Vilathikulam Taluk. The people belonging to four communities are the devotees of the said temples and in the peace committee conducted on 24.07.2018, certain resolutions were resolved between the two parties who were on loggerheads. Certain resolutions were adopted and thereafter, from 24.07.2018, every year the temple festival is being conducted by the 'A' party and 'B' party peacefully in terms of the resolutions resolved thereat. However, violating certain resolutions resolved on 24.07.2018, all of a sudden, the 5th respondent is 2/6

indulging in collecting heavy huge amounts as temple tax in his individual capacity from various people and also from general public beyond the members of the temple and had collected to a tune of at least Rs.1.5 Crores. For which, he had given accounts only pertaining to certain Rs.40 Lakhs and he has swindled the remaining amount. In this regard, a severe problem has erupted in the locality and hence, the 5th respondent should be restrained from further collecting any amount. Hence, he had given a representation in this regard to the respondents. Since no action has been taken, this writ petition is filed.

3. The learned counsel for the 5th respondent Mr.Ramakrishnan categorically submitted that all the allegations made by the learned counsel for the petitioner are baseless and he has not done anything in his individual capacity. Only on behalf of the village group, the administrative committee is collecting money and the temple festival is scheduled to be held on 11th to 13th of June 2026. The petitioner is an individual who is no way connected with the said temple, who is residing far away from the village at Thoothukudi.

4. The learned counsel for State of Tamil Nadu (Civil Side) submitted that in case of any law and order problem, proper enquiry will be conducted by the 3rd respondent.

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5. The learned counsel for State of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) submitted that they will see to that no law and order problem ensures.

6. Heard the learned counsels on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record.

7. In view of the submissions made on either side, the 3rd respondent is directed to conduct a peace committee as conducted in the year 2018, forthwith on 07.06.2026, requiring all the parties to appear and after giving opportunity of hearing, resolve the dispute and facilitate the conduct of festival thereafter. In the resolution, if it is necessary for police protection, the respondent police is directed to afford necessary police protection as required.

8. In view of the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. 05.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No gbg Note: Issue order copy on 05.06.2026.

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TO:- 1.The District Collector, Thoothukudi District.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi District, Thoothukudi.

3.The Tahsildar, Vilathikulam Taluk, Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi District.

4.The Inspector of Police, Soorangudi Police Station, Thoothukudi District.

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

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

gbg Order made in Dated 05.06.2026 6/6