Palanivel v. The District Collector,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.09.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN W.P.Crl.(MD).No.1233 of 2025 Palanivel ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District.

2.The Thasildar, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Vallam Police Station, Thanjavur District.

4.Saravanan 5.Nagaraj

...Respondents

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing to the 1st to 3rd respondents to conduct peace committee meeting with regard to conducting the Kumbabishegam festival of Sri Maha Kaliyamman Temple, Thozhagiri Village, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District as scheduled on 11.09.2025 on the basis of 1/4

the petitioner's representation dated 02.08.2025 within the period that may be stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.V.G.Vallarasu Chezhiyan For R-1 & R-2 : Mr.D.S.Nedunchezhian Government Advocate For R-3 : Mr.R.Meenakshi Sundaram Additional Public Prosecutor

ORDER

The Writ Petition is filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 to conduct a peace committee meeting with regard to conduct of Kumbabishegam festival in Sri Maha Kaliyamman Temple, Thozhagiri Village, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District.

2. The Writ Petition has been filed on the premise that some of the villagers alone have decided to conduct a Kumbabishegam festival, which is scheduled to be held on 11.09.2025, as a result of which, there is likelihood of breach of peace.

3. At the outset, this Court is of the view that there is no statutory duty cast upon the official respondents to conduct peace committee meeting in all cases. In the absence of any statutory duty, this Court, by invoking its writ 2/4

jurisdiction, cannot direct the respondents 1 to 3 to conduct such meetings. However, if there is any breach of peace or law and order problem, it is needless to say that the third respondent shall take such action as may be required in law.

4. With the above observations, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

03.09.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No Lm To 1.The District Collector, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District.

2.The Thasildar, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Vallam Police Station, Thanjavur District.

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

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SUNDER MOHAN, J.

Lm W.P.Crl.(MD).No.1233 of 2025 03.09.2025 4/4