Rajagopal .A v. The Superintendent Of Police

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 25.09.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE D.NAGARJUN Rajagopal ... Petitioner Vs 1.The Superintendent of Police, Tenkasi, Tenkasi District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Surandai Police Station, Surandai, Tenkasi District.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents herein to provide Police protection for special worship as per Vaishnava customs in the Purattasi month of Tamil year, in English Calender from 30.09.2023 to 10.10.2023 at Arulmigu Sri Ramasamy Temple, Idayarthavanai, V.K.Pudur Taluk, Tenkasi District, based upon the petitioner's representation, dated 08.09.2023. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Gokul For R-1 & R-2 : Mr.B.Thanga Aravindh Government Advocate (Criminal Side) 1/4

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking for a direction to the respondent Police to provide Police protection for conducting of a Temple festival from 30.09.2023 to 10.10.2023 at Arulmigu Sri Ramasamy Temple, Idayarthavanai, V.K.Pudur Taluk, Tenkasi District, as per the petitioner's representation, dated 08.09.2023.

2. It is submitted by learned counsel for the petitioner that every year, the villagers have been conducting the special worship as per Vaishnava customs in the Purattasi month of Tamil year at Arulmigu Sri Ramasamy Temple, Idayarthavanai, V.K.Pudur Taluk, Tenkasi from 30.09.2023 to 10.10.2023, for which, a representation has been given to the respondent Police on 08.09.2023.

3. Learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) submits that there are disputes between the petitioner and other groups in respect of conducting of rituals in the Temple. It is also submitted that the other groups intending to bring non-vegetarian in the Temple, for which, the petitioner's group is not accepting stating that in the Vaishnava Temple that kind of rituals cannot be performed.

Learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) 2/4

further submits that if both the parties come together and conduct the Temple festival amicably, the respondent Police would provide Police protection.

4. This petition is filed seeking for a direction to the respondent Police to provide Police protection. The issue before this Court is not whether in the Vaishnava Temple, non-vegetarian food can be permitted inside the Temple.

5. In view of the submissions made by both sides and on perusal of records, this writ petition is disposed of, directing the respondent Police to provide permission and protection for conducting the Temple festival, in case, if all the groups jointly approach the respondent Police and file representation. No costs.

25.09.2023 NCC:yes/no Index:yes/no Internet:yes/no tsg 3/4

DR.D.NAGARJUN, J.

tsg To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Tenkasi, Tenkasi District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Surandai Police Station, Surandai, Tenkasi District.

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

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