Sathiyamoorthy A v. The Superintendent Of Police

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 18.08.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE D.NAGARJUN A.Sathiyamoorthy ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar, Virudhunagar District.

2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Appayanaickenpatti Police Station, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to provide adequate police protection to the Sri Gengaiamman Temple, Veppillai Patti Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar Districtt for the Pourmnami festival days (Full Moon Days) every month and by considering the representation of the petitioner dated 26.07.2023.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Chandrasekar For Respondents : Mr.B.Thanga Aravindh Government Advocate (Criminal side) 1/5

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking for a direction to the respondents to provide adequate police protection to the Sri Gengaiamman Temple, Veppillai Patti Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar Districtt for the Pourmnami festival days (Full Moon Days) every month.

2. It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the petitioner is the Secretary of Sri Gengaiamman Temple Trust. The petitioner's trust have been performing Pooja on Full Moon Day on every month since long time. However, some unidentified persons have been creating trouble and obstructing the petitioner from offering prayers in the temple. The petitioner stated to have filed a complaint before the respondent police on 26.07.2023, however, no action has been taken, therefore, sought for suitable direction.

3. It is submitted by the learned Government Advocate (Crl.side), appearing for the respondents that the petitioner has sent a complaint to the higher officials and the said complaint was forwarded to the police and enquiry is being initiated. It is further submitted that there are rival claimants, who are also seeking some relief for performing Pooja on the Full Moon Day. The petitioner is seeking a blanket order that he would be permitted to conduct pooja on every Full Moon Day.

2/5

4. Considering the circumstances, every citizen in the village including the persons belonging to the community and also the rival community are having every right to offer their prayers and worship in any temple including this temple. The respondent police are required to provide suitable protection, if any person is obstructing the others from offering their prayers in the temple. Further, if at all, any dispute in the management or administration of the temple, the parties shall approach the competent civil Court for appropriate relief.

5. Considering the circumstances, the respondents are directed to dispose of the representation dated 26.07.2023 pending before them by giving notice to all the parties concerned and in case if really any persons obstructing the petitioner from worship in the temple, suitable protection shall be given.

6. With the above observations, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

18.08.2023 NCC:yes/no Index:yes/no Internet:yes/no am 3/5

To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar, Virudhunagar District.

2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Appayanaickenpatti Police Station, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar.

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

4/5

DR.D.NAGARJUN, J.

am 18.08.2023 5/5