Rajendran v. The Superintendent Of Police
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 24.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI Rajendran : Petitioner Vs.
1.The Superintendent of Police, Karur District.
2.The Inspector of Police, Chinthamani Police Station, Karur District.
3.Perumal 4.Kuppusamy S/o.Kuzhanthai Goundar 5.Kuppusamy S/o.Kumara Goundar 6.Manimaran 7.Ranjithkumar 8.Thangavelu : Respondents 1/8
PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 & 2 to provide adequate police protection for the peaceful conduct of the Temple festival of Arulmigu Pattatharasi Amman, Madurai Veeran and Karuppasamy Temple at Karichipatti from 20.07.2025 to 24.07.2025, on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 23.06.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.J.Vishnu For Respondents: Mr.E.Antony Sahaya Prabahar Additional Public Prosecutor for R.1, R.2 Mr.Shankar Ganesh for R.3 to R.8 *****
ORDER
The Petitioner has approached this Court seeking a direction to the respondent police to provide adequate police protection for the peaceful conduct of the temple festival of Arulmigu Pattatharasi Amman, Madurai Veeran, and Karuppasamy Temple at Karichipatti, based on his representation dated 23.06.2025.
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2.It appears that the private respondents have certain disputes with the petitioner, due to which the temple festival could not be conducted as scheduled.
3.Taking note of the issues between the petitioner and the private respondents, this Court, by order dated 08.07.2025, referred the matter to the Mediation Centre and appointed Mr. A. Balaji, Advocate, as the Mediator.
4.The learned Mediator has filed a report stating that, despite his best efforts, the parties were unable to arrive at an amicable settlement. Therefore, the case was listed before this Court today. 5.During the course of hearing, it was brought to the notice of this Court that one of the rituals associated with the festival, known as Sulaiyadu Thiruvizha, involves the sacrifice of pregnant goats. 3/8
6.Animal sacrifice, though not a commendable practice, is at times carried out as part of long-standing customs and religious beliefs. While such practices may be tolerated within the bounds of personal faith and private observance, this Court is duty-bound to examine whether they align with constitutional values and statutory protections. It may be argued that animals are slaughtered daily for food, and that ritual sacrifice is merely another form of the same. However, a clear distinction must be drawn. Slaughter for food is regulated, undertaken for human sustenance, and subject to public health and animal welfare norms. 7.
In contrast, ritual sacrifice, particularly in temples and especially when involving pregnant animals, although rooted in belief and tradition, is often carried out without regulatory oversight or adherence to humane standards. The sacrifice of pregnant animals introduces a heightened degree of cruelty. It results in the loss of not just one, but multiple lives, in a manner that deeply offends public conscience and the evolving standards of a compassionate society.
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8.Article 51A(g) of the Constitution imposes a fundamental duty on every citizen to have compassion for living creatures. This duty cannot remain symbolic; it must inform public conduct, especially in communal spaces such as temples. While faith and custom deserve respect, they cannot override constitutional morality or permit avoidable cruelty. Accordingly, the Court cannot permit such practices to continue under the guise of tradition.
9.Accordingly, the organisers are strictly prohibited from conducting any form of goat sacrifice, particularly involving pregnant animals, as part of the temple festival.
10.Temple festivals are intended to bring together members of the community in celebration and spiritual unity. Such occasions must foster harmony, inclusion, and mutual respect.
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11.In light of the above, the following directions are issued:
1. The petitioner is permitted to conduct the temple festival of Arulmigu Pattatharasi Amman, Madurai Veeran, and Karuppasamy Temple at Karichipatti.
2. There shall be no goat sacrifice, particularly of pregnant animals, as part of or in connection with the festival.
3. If both the petitioner and the private respondents are willing to conduct the festival peacefully, they may do so without causing obstruction or exclusion to any member of the public.
4. The petitioner and the private respondents shall not prevent or obstruct any person from participating in the festival.
5. The respondent police are directed to provide adequate police protection to the petitioner and other villagers to ensure peaceful conduct of the temple festival.
This writ petition is disposed of with the above directions. No costs. Internet : Yes 24.07.2025 gk 6/8
To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Karur District.
2.The Inspector of Police, Chinthamani Police Station, Karur District.
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B.PUGALENDHI, J.
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