C.Parthiban v. The District Collector, Pudukottai District
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 05/02/2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY C.Parthiban ... Petitioner Vs
1. The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukottai.
2. State of Tamilnadu, Rep. By, The Superintendent of Police, O/o. Superintendent of Police, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai..
3. The Tahsildar, Pudukottai Taluk, Pudukottai District.
4. State of Tamilnadu Rep by, The Inspector of Police, Athanakottai Police Station, Pudukottai District..
5. Karunanithi
6. Rajinikanth
7. Chinraj
8. Baskar
9. Kathirvel 10.Veeraiah 1/5
11. Senthil
12. Selvam
13. Thangadurai
14. The Village Administrative Officer, Ganapathipuram, Pudukkottai District. ... Respondents [R14 suo motu impleaded in this petition vide order dated 05.02.2026 by SSYJ] PRAYER :- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent Nos.1 to 4 to take appropriate action against the respondent Nos. 5 to 13, by conducting an enquiry, on the basis of the petitioner's representation dt. 24.10.2025.
For Petitioner : G.Mathavan, Advocate.
For R2 & R4 : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) For R5 to R13 :M/s.T.Seeni Syed Amma for M/s.Roy & Roy Associates For R1, R3& R14 :Mr.P.Thambidurai Government Advocate (Civil side)
ORDER
The present writ petition is filed for issuance of a writ of mandamus, directing the respondent Nos. 2/5
1 to 4 to take appropriate action against the respondent Nos. 5 to 13, by conducting an enquiry, on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 24.10.2025.
2. At the time of hearing, the petitioner restrained his prayer that it is suffice to grant permission to open the temple for worship alone. It is stated that since there was a dispute between the petitioner and the private respondents, both of them has locked the subject temple using separate locks. Hence, there are two locks in the temple gate. Therefore, this Court is of the considered opinion that there should be only one lock and the key may be kept with the Village Administrative Officer, Ganapathipuram, Pudukkottai District, who is suo motu impleaded in this petition as R14.
3. The key may be handed over to the Village Administrative Officer, Ganapathipuram, Pudukkottai District. Whoever wishes to worship, shall take the key from the VAO and thereafter after wroshipping, 3/5
again handover the key to the VAO. If there is any right that has been claimed by the petitioner, they are at liberty to approach the appropriate civil court to work out their remedy in the manner known to law. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of. No Costs.
05.02.2026 PJL TO
1. The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukottai.
2. The Superintendent of Police, O/o. Superintendent of Police, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai..
3. The Tahsildar, Pudukottai Taluk, Pudukottai District.
4. The Inspector of Police, Athanakottai Police Station, Pudukottai District.
5. The Village Administrative Officer, Ganapathipuram, Pudukkottai District.
4/5
S.SRIMATHY,J PJL
ORDER
IN WP CRL.(MD) No.2023 of 2025 Date : 05/02/2026 5/5