Manivel v. The Joint Commissioner
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P(MD)No.20461 of 2025 and W.M.P(MD)No.15851 of 2025 1.Manivel 2.Thirunavukarasu ...Petitioners Vs.
1.The Joint Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Thanjavur District.
2.The Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Thanjavur District.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thanjavur District.
4.The Tahsildar, Poothalur Taluk, Thanjavur District.
5.Ayyakannu
...Respondents
PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 4 to ensure the peaceful celebration of Aadi festival scheduled on 03.08.2025 and 13.08.2025 at the Arulmigu Ayyanar Karaimel Alagar Temple, Palaiyapatti South 1/5
Village, Poothalur Taluk, Thanjavur District, along with the participation of all including the petitioners and by following all usual religious practice in the temple without excluding anyone and providing necessary and adequate protection for the same.
For Petitioners : Mr.V.R.Shanmuganathan For Respondents : Mr.S.S.Madhavan Additional Government Pleader for R1 & R2 M.Lingadurai, Special Government Pleader, for R3 & R4 Mr.A.Rajaram for R5
ORDER
The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a writ of mandamus to direct the respondents 1 to 4 to ensure the peaceful celebration of Aadi festival scheduled on 03.08.2025 and 13.08.2025 at the Arulmigu Ayyanar Karaimel Alagar Temple, Palaiyapatti South Village, Poothalur Taluk, Thanjavur District, along with the participation of all including the petitioners and by following all usual religious practice in the temple without excluding anyone and providing necessary and adequate protection for the same. 2/5
2.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners as well as the fifth respondent submitted that the petitioners have filed an application in O.A.No.1 of 2024 and the same is pending before the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur. Despite the enquiry being completed, the Joint Commissioner has not passed any final order. In the meanwhile, the temple festival is scheduled to be held on 03.08.2025. The Joint Commissioner has also expressed his concern regarding whether he would be able to pass the order before the said date i.e., 03.08.2025. 3.Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is of the opinion that both the parties shall refrain from conducting 'Aadi festival' for the current year, until a final order is passed in O.A.No.1 of 2024.
Further, there is an existing direction to dispose of O.A.No.1 of 2024, within a period of six months. However, the Joint Commissioner is unable to pass final order since the enquiry could not be completed. Both parties are directed to strictly adhere to the final order to be passed by the Joint Commissioner, in O.A.No.1 of 2024. In case, the order is pronounced prior to the festival, the parties are directed to strictly adhere to the directions stated in the said order and conduct the festival in peaceful manner.
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4.With the above observations, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected writ miscellaneous petition is closed. 28.07.2025 NCC : Yes / No (1/2) Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes vsg Note:Issue Order Copy on 11.08.2025.
To:
1.The Joint Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Thanjavur District.
2.The Assistant Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Thanjavur District.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thanjavur District.
4.The Tahsildar, Poothalur Taluk, Thanjavur District.
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S.SRIMATHY , J.
vsg ORDER MADE IN DATED : 28.07.2025 (1/2) 5/5