R. Maluventhi v. The Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 06.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN R.Muluventhi ... Petitioner /vs./ The Deputy Commissioner/Executive Officer, Arulmigu Kallalagar Thirukovil, Alagar Kovil, Madurai District.

... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to grant permission to the petitioner's association to conduct Thirumanjanai Pooja and Bajan on 16.08.2025 between 06.00 pm to 09.00 pm at front of Krishnan Temple situated within the respondents temple.

For Petitioner : Mr.V.Karthikeyan For Respondent : Mr.SS.Madhavan Additional Government Pleader 1/5

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondent. Mr.Ramakrishnan, learned counsel intervenes on behalf of one Thayappan @ Raj.

2.The writ petition has been filed for a Mandamus to direct the respondent to grant permission to the petitioner's Association to conduct 'Thirumanjanai Pooja' and 'Bajan' on 16.08.2025 between 06.00 pm to 09.00 pm in front of the Krishnan Temple situated within the respondent temple. 3.It is informed by the learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondent that there is no question of any Bajans or congregation in front of the deity of 'Lord Krishna' within the premises of Arulmigu Kallalagar Thirukovil, Alagar Kovil, Madurai District.

4.It is submitted that an attempt is being made by the petitioner as if on the date of Krishna Jayanthi, congregation of devotee is allowed in front of the deity 2/5

for chanting of Bajans, which is not the established custom and practise in the temple.

5.It is submitted that only devotees are allowed to enter the temple and offer their prayers. It is submitted that all along, only amounts are collected for Abishegam (jpUkQ;rdf; fl;lis) for which receipts are issued. 6.Having considered the submissions made by the learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondent and Mr.Ramakrishnan for the intervenor, this Court is of the view that there is no scope for entertaining the prayer of the petitioner for chanting of any Bajans or for congregation in a group by the petitioner or any other Association. 7.Therefore, the Writ Petition is liable to be dismissed and is accordingly, dismissed. It is made clear that the established practise of performing Abishegam with the issuance of jpUkQ;rdf; fl;lis receipts shall continue as was done in the past.

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No costs.

Index : Yes / No 06.08.2025 Internet : Yes / No mm To The Deputy Commissioner/Executive Officer, Arulmigu Kallalagar Thirukovil, Alagar Kovil, Madurai District.

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C.SARAVANAN, J.

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