Meenatchi Sundaram Nadar v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 14.07.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE D.NAGARJUN Meenatchi Sundaram Nadar ... Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.

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

3.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District.

4.The Inspector of Police, Thalavaipuram, Virudhunagar District.

5.The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District. 6.A.Ayyanar 7.V.Balakrishnan 8.S.Balasubramaniyam 9.P.Ramakrishnan 10.C.K.Marimuthu 11.K.Kalugalingam 12.S.Essakimuthu

...Respondents

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PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 5 to reopen the temple and to give police protection for the temple festival schedule to be held on 22.07.2023 and 23.07.2023 in connection with Aani Yearly Festival in Punalvely Sri Gurusamy Odukkam Temple, Chettiyarpatti, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 23.06.2023.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Muniyandi For R-1 to R-5 : Mr.B.Thanga Aravindh Government Advocate (Criminal side)

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed seeking for a direction to respondent Nos.1 to 5 Police to dispose of the representation dated 23.06.2023 filed by the petitioner.

2. It is submitted by learned counsel for the petitioner that Punalvely Sri Gurusamy Odukkam Temple situated at Chettiyarpatti, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District, is a private temple. However, the un-official respondents, been claiming rights over the temple, which has been closed by the Tahsildar on account of the disputes among the rival parties and handed over the key to the Inspector of Police. Now, it is further submitted that the villagers are intending to perform festival from 22.07.2023 and 23.07.2023 in connection with Aani festival. Thereby, sought for direction to the Police to provide protection.

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3. Learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) submits that the keys of the temple had not been handed over to the Police and the keys are now remained with Tahsildar only.

4. In any case, the representation given by the petitioner dated 23.06.2023 required to be disposed of by the Police talking to the concerned parties, including, the Tahsildar. Since the festival is scheduled to be from 22.07.2023, the respondent Police are directed to dispose of the same prior to 22.07.2023.

5. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 14.07.2023 NCC:yes/no Index:yes/no Internet:yes/no tsg To 1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar. 3.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District. 4.The Inspector of Police, Thalavaipuram, Virudhunagar District.

5.The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District. 6.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

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DR.D.NAGARJUN, J.

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