Veerappan .V v. The Superintendent Of Police

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 22.08.2024 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY W.P.(MD)No.20042 of 2024 V.Veerappan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai, Sivagangai District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Saakottai Police Station, Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 16.08.2024 and give adequate police protection to conduct temple festival of Sri Koodaya Karuppu Kovil situated at Saakkottai Taluk on 23.08.2024 and 30.08.2024 and pass order within the stipulated period as fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : M/s.S.Arunnithy For Respondents : Mr.E.Antony Sahaya Prabahar Additional Public Prosecutor 1/4

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 16.08.2024 and give adequate police protection to conduct temple festival ofSri Koodaya Karuppu Kovilsituated at Saakkottai Taluk on 23.08.2024 and 30.08.2024.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that there is no dispute with reference to the management of the temple. But, the petition is filed apprehending that the temple festival should go on smoothly.

3. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor would submit that there are two groups claiming right in respect of the temple. The Peace Committee Meeting is underway and even the petitioner also participated in the said meeting. By suppressing all that, this petition is filed.

4. When there are two groups involved, the petitioner is claiming his right to worship, it is for him to approach the appropriate forum / civil court and get an order of injunction, and thereafter only the police can 2/4

give protection to whichever the party, in whose favour the order proclaims the right. In the meantime, the petition as such cannot be ordered.

5. With such liberty preserved to the petitioner, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

22.08.2024 NCC :Yes/No Index :Yes/No Internet : Yes/ No dss To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai, Sivagangai District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Saakottai Police Station, Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District.

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

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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J dss Order made in W.P.(MD)No.20042 of 2024 Dated : 22.08.2024 4/4