R.Krishnamoorthy v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 19.09.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN R.Krishnamoorthy ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, District Collector's Office, Dindigul, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Revenue Divisional Office, Palani, 3.The Tahsildar, Kujiliyambarai Taluk, Kujiliyambarai, 4.A.Kasthuri 5.S.Manikandan 6.Venkatesh 1/6

7.The Inspector of Police, Gujiliamparai Police Station, (R.7 is suo motu impleaded vide order of this Court dated 18.09.2025) ... 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 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 08.09.2025 and consequently permit the petitioner and the other 15 families, who are the descendants of Kacha Nayakkar, to conduct the temple festival (Thiruvizha) in Survey No.520/19, Vempur Village, Koviloor Panchayat, Kujiliyambarai Taluk, Dindigul District as per the traditional rituals and customs.

For Petitioner : Mr.T.Wins For Respondents : Mr.S.Kameshwaran Government Advocate for R.1 to R.3 Mr.S.Harish for R.4 to R.6 Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate (Criminal Side) for R.7

ORDER

Heard both sides.

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2.The only request made by the petitioner is that he and few other families should be allowed to offer their worship in the petition mentioned temple.

3.The respondents 4 to 6 are present in person and they are acting as trustees of the said temple. They informed the Court that they have no objection to the petitioner or anyone else to coming and offering worship in the temple during the usual worship hours. It is further stated that the temple is kept open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 05.00 p.m to 06.00 p.m. As a special case, they are willing to keep the temple open tomorrow (20.09.2025) from 08.00 a.m to 10.00 a.m. The petitioner can very well go with other families and offer worship. It is further made clear that the petitioner or any other person cannot offer animal sacrifice. Likewise, they cannot install any new idol or change the mode of worship. The private respondents inform the Court that it is open to the petitioner and others to come and offer their worship on Tuesdays and Fridays during usual worship hours.

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4.Recording the undertaking of the private respondents, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

19.09.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No MGA Note: Issue order copy on 19.09.2025.

To 1.The District Collector, District Collector's Office, Dindigul, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Revenue Divisional Office, Palani, 3.The Tahsildar, Kujiliyambarai Taluk, Kujiliyambarai, 4.The Inspector of Police, Gujiliamparai Police Station, 4/6

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

MGA 19.09.2025 5/6

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