Sollamuthu @ Gnanaraj. U v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 08.11.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.23073 and 23075 of 2023 U.Sollamuthu @ Gnanaraj ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2.The Tahsildar, Manur Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Manur Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records of the impugned order of the 2nd respondent dated 23.02.2023 vide Na.Ka.No.Aa1/149/2023 and quash the same and further directing the 3rd respondent to provide Police Protection while conducting the Mass on every Sunday at Petitioner's house premises 1/4

situated in No.4/216/1, Nadu Pillaiyar Kulam, Perumal Koil Street, Manur Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

For Petitioner : Mr.I.Robert Chandrakumar For Respondents : Mr.C.Satheesh, Government Advocate for R1 & R2.

Mr.A.Albert James, Government Advocate for R3.

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner is the resident of Nadu Pillayarkulam Village. In the said village, there are 250 families professing Hindu and 8 families professing Christianity. Dispute has arisen because in the petitioner's house, "mass" was sought to be conducted. In the peace committee meeting held on 23.02.2023, certain decisions were taken. It was made clear that when the individual Christian families conduct worship, the Hindus should not interfere with the same. Provision was also made that as and when the Christians obtained permission from the District 2/4

Collector, they can always conduct such public functions. In my view, the decision has been fairly taken. In any event, a decision taken in a peace committee meeting is not amenable to challenge in a writ proceeding. I am not inclined to interfere. This writ petition stands dismissed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

08.11.2023 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias To:- 1.The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2.The Tahsildar, Manur Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Manur Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 08.11.2023 4/4