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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/17834/2025disposed of

S.T.Lingam v. The District Collector

2025-07-08Honourable Mrs Justice S.Srimathy5 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 08.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY S.T.Lingam ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2. The Deputy Collector, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildar, Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

4. E. Satheeshkumar

5. S. Pasupathi

6. T. Murugamuthu

7. Tamilarasi

8. The Inspector of Police, KoodanKulam Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to ensure that the petitioner and his community are permitted to conduct their 1/5

traditional vegetarian temple festival on 14.07.2025, 15.07.2025 and 16.07.2025 without any interference from the respondents 4 to 7 herein, based on the petitioner's representation dated 17.06.2025. For Petitioner : M/s.P.Kalaiyarasi Bharathi For Respondents : Mr.M.Lingadurai, Special Government Pleader, for R-1 to R-3 Mr.K.Sudalaiyandi, for R-4 to R-7 M/s.M. Aasha, Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side), for R-8

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to ensure that the petitioner and his community are permitted to conduct their traditional vegetarian temple festival is scheduled to be held on 14.07.2025, 15.07.2025 and 16.07.2025 without any interference from the respondents 4 to 7 based on the petitioner's representation dated 17.06.2025.

2. Since the Inspector of Police, KoodanKulam Police Station, Tirunelveli District is a necessary party in this writ petition this Court suo motu impleaded as 8th respondent.

3. The contention of the petitioner is that the Arulmigu Sri Pathirakali Amman Thirukoil was constructed with a 90-foot-high Rajagopuram and, therefore, has attained the status of Agamam temple. Therefore, animal sacrifice 2/5

cannot be entertained. This claim is strongly opposed by respondents 4 to 7 and submitted that animal sacrifice has been a longstanding customary practice.

4. Both the petitioner and respondents 4 to 7 have submitted that the temple festival is scheduled to be conducted from 14.07.2025 to 16.07.2025.

5. Considering the facts of the case, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petitioner and the 3rd respondent/Tahsildar, with the assistance of the 8th respondent, are directed to conduct a Peace Committee meeting. It is seen from the records that a Peace Committee meeting was already conducted on 01.07.2022. A fresh Peace Committee meeting shall be convened at the earliest, and a resolution shall be passed. The parties shall adhere to the resolution passed in the Peace Committee meeting.

6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

NCC : Yes / No 08.07.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes KSA Note : Issue a copy of order on 10.07.2025 3/5

To

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2. The Deputy Collector, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildar, Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

4. The Inspector of Police, KoodanKulam Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

KSA ORDER MADE IN DATED : 08.07.2025 5/5