S.P.Kannan Alias Samiappan v. The Revenue Divisional Officer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 11.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY S.P.Kannan @ Samiappan ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Kulithalai, Karur District.

2. The Tahsildar, Krishnapuram, Karur District.

3. K.Yoganathan

4. K.Velmurugan ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to convene a peace committee meeting including third and fourth Respondents amicably resolve the issue regarding collection of "Kovil Vari" (Temple Tax) and permit the petitioner and his son to participate in the temple festival on 25.07.2025 to 27.07.2025 based on the petitioner's representation dated 28.06.2025.

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For Petitioner : Mr.N.Kamesh For R-1 & R-2 : Mr.M.Lingadurai Special Government Pleader For R-3 & R-4 : Mr.A.Thiyagarajan

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the third and fourth respondents to amicably resolve the issue regarding collection of "Kovil Vari" (Temple Tax) and to permit the petitioner and his son to participate in the temple festival scheduled from 25.07.2025 to 27.07.2025 based on the petitioner's representation dated 28.06.2025.

2. The learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner and the respondents 3 and 4 belong to the same community. However, the petitioner's son had married outside the community. Therefore, there was a disputed between the petitioner and the respondents 3 and 4. Based on the said incident, during the previous year, respondents 3 and 4 did not collect the temple tax ("Kovil Vari") from the petitioner and his son. The petitioner now apprehends 2/5

that the respondents 3 and 4 will not collect any temple tax from the petitioner and his son this year as well.

3. The learned Counsel appearing for the respondents 3 and 4, on instructions, submitted that there will be no discrimination against the petitioner, and that the respondents are willing to collect the temple tax . However, the respondents 3 and 4 and other villagers have decided not to collect temple tax from anyone.

4. This Court is of the considered opinion that if the respondents 3 and 4 are collecting temple tax from other villagers then they are bound to collect the same from the petitioner and his son. Further, the petitioner and his son shall be permitted to participate in the upcoming temple festival.

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

11.07.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes jbr 3/5

To:

1. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Kulithalai, Karur District.

2. The Tahsildar, Krishnapuram, Karur District.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

jbr ORDER MADE IN DATED : 11.07.2025 5/5