P.Krishnan v. The District Collector,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 16.06.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI P.Krishnan ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Virudhunagar District.

Virudhunagar.

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

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District.

4. The Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

5. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Arpuppukkotai Division, Virudhunagar District.

6. The Inspector of Police, Aviyur Police Station, Virudhunagar District.

7. Chandran ... Respondents 1/6

PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 6 to take action against the Kattapanchayatdars, who are engaged in excommunication and from a peace committee to resolve the issue of Ookavalan Temple, Petharendhal Village, Mushtakurichi Post, Kariapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District, on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026 within the stipulated time by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Jothi Basu For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy (R2, R5 & R6) Government Advocate (Crl.Side) Ms.M.R.Priyanka Jothi (R1, R3 & R4) Government Advocate (Civil)

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 1 to 6 to take action against the Kattapanchayatdars, who are engaged in excommunication and from a peace committee to resolve the issue of Ookavalan Temple situated at Petharendhal Village, Mushtakurichi Post, Kariapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District, on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026 within the stipulated time by this Court.

2. When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Government Advocate, Ms. M.R. Priyanka Jothi, appearing for respondents 1, 3 and 4, 2/6

submitted that the temple festival had already concluded by the end of May 2026 and, therefore, the relief sought in the present writ petition has become infructuous.

3. The learned Government Advocate, Mr. D. Rajaboopathy, submitted that, on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026, CSR No. 13 of 2026 was registered and notices were issued to the petitioner as well as the private respondents. It was further submitted that, upon enquiry by the respondent police, the parties arrived at an amicable settlement of their disputes and the private respondents have undertaken not to obstruct the petitioner's participation in the temple festival.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either sides and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court. Considering the nature of the order proposed to be passed in this petition, notice to the seventh respondent is dispensed with.

5. Considering the grievance of the petitioner that he has been excommunicated from worshipping in the said temple for several years and has not been permitted to participate even in the day-to-day religious activities and 3/6

worship conducted therein, this Court is of the considered view that such exclusion cannot be countenanced. Accordingly, the private respondents are restrained from excommunicating the petitioner or any other resident of the village and from preventing them from entering the temple, offering worship, or participating in temple festivals, religious functions and other activities conducted therein, either now or in the future.

6. This writ petition is disposed with the above directions. 16.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm 4/6

TO:-

1. The District Collector, Virudhunagar District.

Virudhunagar.

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

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aruppukkottai, Virudhunagar District.

4. The Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

5. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Arpuppukkotai Division, Virudhunagar District.

6. The Inspector of Police, Aviyur Police Station, Virudhunagar District.

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

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

Sm Order made in Dated 16.06.2026 6/6