Rev Fr.Jerome, v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 27.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI Rev.Fr.Jerome Parish Priest ... Petitioner versus

1. The District Collector, Collector Office,

2. The State of Tamilnadu, rep. by The Superintendent of Police, District Police Office, Thirumayam Road,

3. The Inspector of Police, Ganesh Nagar Police Station, ... Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the constitution of India, seeking for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 3rd respondent to give police protection to fence the church property in 1/6

Survey Nos.82/7, 82/8 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 12.06.2025.

For Petitioner : M/s.S.Pavithra For Respondents : Mr.E.Antony Sahaya Prabahar, Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

The petitioner has filed this petition seeking a direction to the respondent Police to provide police protection to put up fencing in the property in Survey Nos.82/7, 82/8.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the property in Survey Nos.82/7 and 82/8 belongs to the church, which is functioning along with a School from the year 1980 and the church is also permitted by the District Collector to put up fencing in the said property, however, some of the followers of other religions are raising certain objections for putting up fencing. Therefore, the petitioner has filed this writ petition. The learned counsel has also relied on a copy of 2/6

the Judgment dated 06.12.2006, passed in O.S.No.177 of 2003 on the file of the Principal District Munsif Court, Pudukkottai and submits that the petitioner has already filed a civil suit and also obtained permanent injunction with regard to the said property.

3. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submits that they have not received any request from the petitioner seeking police protection. In the event, if any application is made by the petitioner, it would be considered, if it is required.

4. This Court considered the rival submissions made.

5. The petitioner claims that the property in Survey Nos.82/7, 82/8 belongs to the church and it is functioning along with a school from the year 1980. Therefore, the petitioner is directed to submit an application along with the required documents, citing the threat received by them for putting up fencing. The petitioner shall pay 3/6

necessary fees for providing necessary police protection. The respondent Police shall consider the application and find out who are the objectors and provide necessary police protection, if it is required for putting up fencing, as per the decree passed by the Civil Court.

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

27.06.2025 ogy NCC : Yes / No.

Index : Yes / No.

Internet : Yes / No.

To

1. The District Collector, Collector Office,

2. The Superintendent of Police, District Police Office, Thirumayam Road, 4/6

3. The Inspector of Police, Ganesh Nagar Police Station,

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

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B.PUGALENDHI, J.

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