A.Esakki Muthu v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY A.Esakkimuthu ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, District Collectorate Office, Tirunelveli District.

2. The Tahsildhar, Tirunelveli, Taluk Office, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Village Administrative Officer, Gangaikondan Village, Tirunelveli District.

4. Arunachalam Ganesan,

5. Subramanian,

6. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Tirunelveli.

... Respondents (R6 is Suo Motu impleaded vide court order dated 07.07.2025 in WP(MD)No.18383 of 2025).

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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 initiate action as against the 4th and 5th respondents, Administrative Committee of Arulmigu Sri Sudalai Madaswamy Temple, and permit the petitioner to participate in the temple festival scheduled to be held on 28.07.2025 to 30.07.2025 by collecting Kovil vari from petitioner by considering the representation dated 08.03.2025.

For Petitioner : Mr.P. Baburaj For R-1 to R-3 : Mr.S.Shanmugavel Additional Government Pleader For R-4 & R-5 : Mr.M.P.Senthil

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to initiate action as against the respondents 4 and 5, and allow the petitioner to participate in the temple festival scheduled to be held from 28.07.2025 to 30.07.2025 by collecting Kovil Vari from the petitioner, by considering his representation dated 08.03.2025.

2. The petitioner and his family were prevented from attending the temple festival on the ground that the petitioner had used unparliamentary language and had allegedly visited the temple in an intoxicated mode. 2/5

3. The learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner vehemently opposed for such an allegations and submitted that the petitioner was never under the influence of alcohol when entering the temple. He further submitted that the entire family, including the women, had only intended to participate in the temple festival in a respectful manner. The allegation that even the women in the family were intoxicated, is absurd.

4. Considering the plea of the petitioner, this Court is passing the following orders:

(i) Respondents 4 and 5 shall not restrain the petitioner from participating in the temple festival.

(ii) Respondents 4 and 5 are directed to accept the temple tax (Kovil Vari) from the petitioner, and the petitioner shall pay the same without any murmur.

(iii) The petitioners and his family members shall not use any unparliamentary words.

(iv) Both the petitioner and respondents 4 and 5 shall maintain themselves with dignity during the festival.

(v) The second respondent is directed to ensure peaceful conduct of the temple festival and these directions shall be applicable to both the parties in 3/5

future festivals as well.

5. With the above said directions, this Writ Petition is allowed. There shall be no order as to costs.

18.07.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes jbr NOTE: Issue order copy on 21.07.2025.

To:

1. The District Collector, District Collectorate Office, Tirunelveli District.

2. The Tahsildhar, Tirunelveli, Taluk Office, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Village Administrative Officer, Gangaikondan Village, Tirunelveli District.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

jbr ORDER MADE IN DATED : 18.07.2025 5/5