M.Muthiah Konar v. The District Collector,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 08.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY and W.M.P(MD)No.16864 of 2025 M.Muthiah Konar ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District.

Tirunelveli.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Vijayanarayanam, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildhar, Thisayanvilai Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

4. K.Ayyakutty ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, direct the respondents No.1 to 3 to ensure that all the villagers participate and worship in the Kodai Vizha of the Arulmigu Sri Muppidathi Amman Temple situated at the Majara Savalaikarankulam, Ramakrishnapuram Village, Thisayanvilai Taluk, Tirunelveli District, scheduled on 11.08.2025 to 13.08.2025 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 31.07.2025.

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For Petitioner : Mr.J. Pandi Dorai For Respondents : Mr.M.Lingadurai Special Government Pleader

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents No.1 to 3 to ensure that all the villagers participate and worship in the Kodai Vizha of the Arulmigu Sri Muppidathi Amman Temple situated at the Majara Savalaikarankulam, Ramakrishnapuram Village, Thisayanvilai Taluk, Tirunelveli District, scheduled on 11.08.2025 to 13.08.2025 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 31.07.2025.

2. It is seen that there was a dispute between the petitioner and the fourth respondent in the year 2023 and the Peace Committee Meeting was conducted by the second respondent for the year 2023. However, in the year 2024, there was no dispute and the fourth respondent permitted the petitioner to participate in the festival. But this year, again the fourth respondent is disputing the petitioner's right.

3. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to 3, submitted that the fourth respondent has refused to collect the temple tax 2/5

from the petitioner since the petitioner did not pay the said tax for the previous year. Hence, the fourth respondent is demanding payment of the arrears. He further stated that if the arrears are paid, the temple tax for the present year would be collected from the petitioner. The petitioner may be directed to pay the arrears along with the temple tax for the present year.

4. In view of the above, this Court without expressing any opinion on the rights of the petitioner and the fourth respondent, is directing the second respondent to conduct a Peace Committee Meeting on or before 10.08.2025. The parties shall adhere to the order that would be passed in the Peace Committee Meeting. The petitioner is directed to pay the arrears along with the temple tax for the present year. The said order is applicable only for the year 2025. In case, if the dispute continues in subsequent years, the petitioner and the fourth respondent shall approach the appropriate Civil Court to establish their rights.

5. With the above said directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

08.08.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No 3/5

Internet : Yes jbr To:

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli District.

Tirunelveli.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Vijayanarayanam, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildhar, Thisayanvilai Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

jbr ORDER MADE IN DATED : 08.08.2025 5/5