R.Adhimoolam v. The Commissioner
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 10.10.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P(MD)No.20878 of 2025 R.Adhimoolam ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai - 600 034 2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Mullipadi Village, Dindigul.
3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Door No.6.21, TBN Road, P.C.Patti, Theni.
4.P.Neelamagam ... Respondents 1/7
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 to 3 to consider the representation of the Petitioner dated 18.09.2025 for tying "Valaimaram", "Thoranam", "Pandhal" in Arulmigu Pattalamman Muthiahswamy Temple, Melmangalam Village, Periyakulam Taluk during the Purattasi festival to be held on 13.10.2025 to 15.10.2025 or directing the second respondent to perform the said rituals during the festival.
For Petitioner : Mr.S.Manohar For Respondents : Mr.P.Subbaraj Special Government Pleader for R.1 to R.3 Mr.R.G.Shankar Ganesh for R.4 Mr.S.Madhavan for Intervenor
ORDER
Heard both sides.
2.The case on hand pertains to celebration of Purattasi temple festival. It is made clear at the very outset that the order now passed in 2/7
this writ petition will govern this year's celebration alone. It is only an adhoc arrangement arrived at for the present and that too with the consensus of the parties. It will not give rise to any right in favour of anybody. This order will not be referred or relied upon in any other collateral proceedings.
3.Arulmigu Pattalamman Muthiahswamy Temple is situated in Melmangalam Village in Periyakulam Taluk. Fortunately, this is not a communal or caste issue. Rather, it is a dispute between the residents of two streets, namely, East Street and Ammapatty Street. While in Ammapatty street, the residents predominantly belong to Rajakula Agamudayar community, East Street is more representative in character. The residents belong to as many as 5 communities, namely, Ambalam, Servai, Pandaram, Konar and Pillai. Agamudayar community is also represented in East Street.
4.The temple is managed by a Board of Trustees. There are serious issues regarding the constitution of Board. But they need not be gone into in the writ petition. They are the subject matter of other writ 3/7
petitions. But there is no dispute that as on date that the Board of trustees comprises the members from East Street.
5.The temple in question has 4 doors including the main door facing the east street. The persons from Ammapatty street want to tie what is known as Mavilai, Thoranam and also erect panthal. The Board of trustees opposed the request on the ground that may amount to conferment of certain rights. Without going into merits, the following arrangement is made for this year's celebration alone: a) The persons from the East Street who are also represented in the Trust Board shall be entitled to tie Mavilai, Thoranam and also erect Panthal in the main door (East) as well as the two other doors (West and South). b)The persons belonging to Ammapatty street shall be given charge of the North door. They shall be entitled to tie Mavilai, Thornam and also erect Panthal in the North entrance. 6.Till recent times, an event known as "Aatachatti Thiruvizha" was being conducted. It is done primarily by the persons belonging to East Street. Persons in the East Street are permitted to hold the said event on 14.10.2025.
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7.A clay horse painted in green is kept by the trustees outside the temple. Traditionally, Brahmins used to carry it in procession and bring it back to the very same spot. On account of the disputes that arose between the two streets, Brahmins abandoned this traditional practice. Persons belonging to Rajakula Agamudayar community belonging to Ammapatty street are permitted to carry the painted horse which was originally done by the Brahmin community.
8.The Inspector of Police, Jeyamangalam Police Station is directed to provide suitable bandobust at the cost of the trustees and ensure the smooth conduct of event.
9.This Writ Petition disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 10.10.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No MGA Note: Issue order copy on 10.10.2025.
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To 1.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai - 600 034 2.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Mullipadi Village, Dindigul.
3.The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Door No.6.21, TBN Road, P.C.Patti, Theni.
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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.
MGA 10.10.2025 7/7