Mariyammal v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.06.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Mariyammal ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

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

3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Vedasandur Circle, Vedasandur, Dindigul District.

4. The Tahsildar, Vedasandur Taluk Office, Vedasandur, Dindigul District.

5. The Inspector of Police, Vedasantur Police Station, Vedasantur, Dindigul District.

6. Jeganathan

7. Kannan

8. Govindaraj

9. Ramakrishnan

10. Saminathan ... 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 5 to consider petitioner's representation dated 13.06.2026 and ensure that the Sree Mahakaliamman Temple situated at Malvarpatti, Vedasantur Taluk, Dindigul District will be performed without observing any excommunication or discrimination on caste or creed or money among the villagers. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Muthamilventhan For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy (R2, R3 & R5) Government Advocate (Crl.Side) Ms.M.R.Priyanka Jothi (R1 & R4) Government Advocate (Civil) Mr.A.C.Asaithambi (R6 to R10)

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 1 to 5 to consider petitioner's representation dated 13.06.2026 and ensure that the Sree Mahakaliamman Temple situated at Malvarpatti, Vedasantur Taluk, Dindigul District will be performed without observing any excommunication or discrimination on caste or creed or money among the villagers.

2. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials before this Court.

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3. On perusal of the records, it is seen that the very same writ petitioner herein had earlier filed a writ petition in WP.Crl.(MD)No.2540 of 2026 seeking the following relief:- "Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of writ of mandamus, directing the 1 to 6 Respondents to take appropriate action against the respondents 7 to 11 forbearing them from the practicing sectarian activity in order to excommunicate and the petitioner's family members from the rest of the village community consequently allow the petitioner's family member to the worship the deity joint the other ritual of the festival on the basis of considering the petitioner's representation dated 23.03.2026."

4. This Court, by order dated 30.04.2026, had already directed the sixth respondent police and the fifth respondent Tahsildar to ensure the participation of the petitioner as well as all villagers and to facilitate the collection/payment of temple tax in connection with the festival of Sree Mahakaliamman Temple situated at Malvarpatti, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District, which is the subject matter of the present writ petition.

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5. Despite the said order, the petitioner has once again approached this Court seeking substantially the very same relief. In view of the same, this writ petition is liable to be dismissed and is accordingly dismissed.

6. However, considering that the temple festival is scheduled to be held tomorrow, i.e., on 18.06.2026, the respondents 4 and 5 are directed to ensure that the petitioner is permitted to participate in the subject temple festival without any hindrance, subject to maintenance of peace and public order. 17.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 17.06.2026.

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TO:-

1. The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

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

3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Vedasandur Circle, Vedasandur, Dindigul District.

4. The Tahsildar, Vedasandur Taluk Office, Vedasandur, Dindigul District.

5. The Inspector of Police, Vedasantur Police Station, Vedasantur, Dindigul District.

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

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

Sm Order made in Dated 17.06.2026 6/6