Arulmigu Sri Anna Kamatchiamman And Parivara Theiva Temple v. The District Collector

1 W.P.(MD)NO.23527 OF 2025 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 01.09.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN W.P.(MD)No.23527 of 2025 AND W.M.P.(MD)No.18482 of 2025 Arulmigu Sri Anna Kamatchiamman & Parivara Theiva Temple, Velupatti Village, Rep. by its family hereditary trustee, namely, Marutharaj, S/o.Govindaraj, Puthu Kariyapatti, Sanurapatti Post, Sengipatti, Budalur Taluk, Thanjavur District.

... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Thanjavur District.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District.

3. The Joint Commissioner, HR&CE Department, Thanjavur District.

4. The Tahsildar, Budalur, Thanjavur District.

5. S.Periyasamy

6. S.Murugesan

7. S.Jayaraman ... Respondents 1/6

2 W.P.(MD)NO.23527 OF 2025 Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the third respondent to take over the control of the temple administration and conduct Kumbabishekam which is scheduled to be conducted from 05.09.2025 to 07.09.2025 and consequently direct the third respondent to confer the 1st privilege to the petitioner family members as the family hereditary trustee as per our traditional and customary rituals by considering the petitioner's representations dated 16.08.2025 and 25.08.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Mahendran For R-1,R-3&R-4 : Mr.P.Subbaraj, Special Government Pleader.

For R-2 : Mr.A.Albert James, Government Advocate.

For R-5 to R-7 : Mr.S.Gurumoorthy * * *

O R D E R

Heard both sides.

2. The case on hand pertains to the affairs of the petition-mentioned temple located in Velupatti Village. Kumbabishekam is to be performed on 07.09.2025. However, preparatory Poojas are to be held from 05.09.2025. This writ petition 2/6

3 W.P.(MD)NO.23527 OF 2025 has been filed by one Marutharaj. He claims to represent 15 families. The case of the writ petitioner is that the temple was established by his forefathers.

3. He would claim that disregarding the petitioner and others, the private respondents have gone ahead with renovation activities.

4. The prayer in the writ petition is for directing the HR&CE Department to take over the temple and conduct Kumbabisheka.

5. This is a larger issue which can be agitated later. To find a solution, I suggested to the learned counsel on either side that some formula could be agreed upon so that the Kumbabishekam can be peacefully celebrated.

6. Thiru.Periyasamy, fifth respondent herein is present in person before me along with two others. He agrees to receive donation from the writ petitioner and other families tomorrow itself and enter their names in the notebook. The petitioner as well as the 3/6

4 W.P.(MD)NO.23527 OF 2025 other families are entitled to participate in the function and offer worship like any other devotee.

7. The Inspector of Police, Pudalur police station is also directed to issue proper Bandobast so that the event can be conducted peacefully. The temple priest is also directed to tie "Kappu" for the writ petitioner as well as the other persons. Since there is no consensus regarding collecting "Thalaikattu Vari", this issue is left open. The jurisdictional Inspector, HR&CE Department shall take over the Kumbabishekam event and perform the event. It is further directed that no first honour will be conferred on anybody. This writ petition stands disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 01.09.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No PMU Note : Issue order copy on 01.09.2025.

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5 W.P.(MD)NO.23527 OF 2025 To:

1. The District Collector, Thanjavur District.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District.

3. The Joint Commissioner, HR&CE Department, Thanjavur District.

4. The Tahsildar, Budalur, Thanjavur District.

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6 W.P.(MD)NO.23527 OF 2025 G.R.SWAMINATHAN,J.

PMU W.P.(MD)No. 23527 of 2025 01.09.2025 6/6