Rajaram. M v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.09.2024

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.SUBRAMANIAN and THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI M.Rajaram, Chairman of Festival Committee, Arulmighu Umaiyanayake Amman Temple, S.Tharaikudi, Kadaladi Taluk, Ramanathapuram.

... Petitioner -vs1.The District Collector, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

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

3.The Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

4.The Tahsildar, Tahsildar Office, Kadaladi.

5.The Inspector of Police.

E-6 Police Station, Sayalkudi.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 and 4 to grant permission to conduct the ''Vadamaadu Erutukkatu'' on 18.09.2024 at Arulmighu Umaiyanayake Amman Temple, S.Tharaikudi, Kadaladi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District.

For Petitioner : Ms.Lakshmi Gopinathan for M/s.Polax Legal Solutions For R1 and R4 : Mr.P.Thilakkumar Government Pleader For R2, R3 and R5 : Mr.B.Thanga Aravindh Government Advocate (Criminal side)

O R D E R

[Order of the Court was made by R.SUBRAMANIAN, J.] The petitioner seeks a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 4 to grant permission to conduct Vadamaadu Erutukattu on 18.09.2024.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner claims that this ritual has been performed since 1992 on the first day of the Aavani month, when the presiding deity is believed to return from Rameshwaram to its place of abode.

3. We do not think we can go into that question and issue a positive direction. Hence, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent / District Collector to pass appropriate orders in the light of the Government Orders that are in force. Any such order shall be passed within a period of two weeks from today. No costs.

NCC : No [R.S.M., J.] [L.V.G., J.] Index : No 03.09.2024 smn2 Note:- Issue order copy on 04.09.2024 To:- 1.The District Collector, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

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

3.The Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

4.The Tahsildar, Tahsildar Office, Kadaladi.

5.The Inspector of Police.

E-6 Police Station, Sayalkudi.

R.SUBRAMANIAN , J.

and L.VICTORIA GOWRI , J.

smn2 03.09.2024