S.Kamarasu v. The District Collector,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.09.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN S.Kamarasu ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Sivagangai, Sivagangai District.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sivagangai, Sivagangai District.

3.The Tahsildar, Ilayankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District.

4.R.Krishnan ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 3 to convey the meeting together with the fourth respondent enabling to receive temple festival tax to the petitioner community people in the eve of which is schedule to be held on 1/4

05.09.2025, namely, Sri Adaikalam Katha Iyanar Temple and Sri Kaliyamman Temple at Nanamadai Village, Akkavayal Post, Ilayankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District by dispose the petitioner's representations dated 08.08.2025 and 12.08.2025.

For Petitioner : Mr.B.Satheshkumar For Respondents : Mr.B.Ramanathan Additional Government Pleader for R.1 to R.3 Mr.VR.Shanmuganathan for R.4

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petition mentioned temple festival is scheduled to be celebrated this year on 05.09.2025. The temple is located in Akkavayal Village in Ilayankudi Taluk. The petitioner hails from a neighbouring village. The petitioner states that his villagers should also be permitted to pay what is known as head tax.

3.The stand of the fourth respondent is that head tax is collected only from the villagers of Akkavayal and not from others. Whether the villagers of Nanamadai are entitled to pay head tax or not has to be 2/4

decided only by the civil Court. If any such civil suit is filed by the petitioner within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, it shall be disposed of by the jurisdictional trial Court within eight months thereafter so that there is no confusion when the next annual temple festival is celebrated. The villagers of Nanamadai are very much entitled to participate in the temple festival like any other devotee. This right cannot be interfered with by anyone. 4.The learned counsel for the fourth respondent states that the petitioner as well as his fellow villagers are at liberty to offer donation and the same would be accordingly accepted. Necessary entry shall also be made in the note book or receipt may be given. 5.Recording the stand of the fourth respondent, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 03.09.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No MGA Note: Issue order copy on 03.09.2025.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

MGA 1.The District Collector, Sivagangai, Sivagangai District.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sivagangai, Sivagangai District.

3.The Tahsildar, Ilayankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District.

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