A.Radhakrishnan v. The Secretary to Government,

ORDER By consent of both parties, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

¶2Heard the party-in-person, learned Government Advocate, learned Additional Government Pleader and the learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) and perused the materials placed on record.

¶3This writ petition has been filed for a direction, directing the respondents 2 to 6 to take appropriate action and make necessary arrangements for smooth conducting of the upcoming Annual Pooja Festival at 7th respondent temple by considering petitioners representations dated 30.01.2026 and

01.04.2026.

¶4It is the case of the petitioner that he is a devotee and Kattalaidharar of the 7th respondent temple, he made representations on 30.01.2026 and

01.04.2026 for smooth conducting of upcoming annual festival, since, no effective steps or arrangements have been made, this writ petition is filed.

¶5The learned Additional Government Pleader on instructions submitted that the Sitharai Thiruvizha will be conducted by allowing the petitioner/party in person as Ubayadarar and the abhishekam and poojai will be performed as per the customary practice.

¶6Recording the submissions of the learned Additional Government Pleader, there shall be a direction to the respondents to conduct the pooja as per the prevailing customary practice. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 08-04-2026 dhk Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To

1.The Secretary to Government, Tourism Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai - 600 034.

3.The District Executive Magistrate/District Collector, Salem Town - 636 001.

4.The Commissioner of Police, Line Medu, Salem - 636 006.

5.The Commissioner, Endowments Department, Nethimedu, Salem - 636 002.

6.The Assistant Commissioner, Endowments Department, Nethimedu, Salem - 636 002.

7.The Fit Person, Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Allikuttai, Veeranam Main Road, Salem-636 017. M.DHANDAPANI J. dhk

08-04-2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 08-04-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI A.Radhakrishnan Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Secretary to Government, Tourism Culture and Religious Endowments Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009. 2.The Commissioner, Endowments Department, 119, Nungambakkam High Road, Chennai - 600 034. 3.The District Executive Magistrate/District Collector, Salem Town - 636 001. 4.The Commissioner of Police, Line Medu, Salem - 636 006. 5.The Commissioner, Endowments Department, Nethimedu, Salem - 636 002. 6.The Assistant Commissioner, Endowments Department, Nethimedu, Salem - 636 002. 7.The Fit Person, Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Allikuttai, Veeranam Main Road, Salem- 636 017. Respondent(s) PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, directing the respondents 2 to 6 to take appropriate action and make necessary arrangements for smooth conducting of the upcoming Annual Pooja Festival at 7th respondent temple by considering petitioners representations dated 30.01.2026 and 01.04.2026. For Petitioner(s): Mr.A.Radhakrishnan (P-in-P) For Respondent: Mr.S.Rajesh for R1 Government Advocate Mr.S.Ravichandran for R2,3,5 to 7 Additional Government Pleader (HR&CE) Mr.V.Meghanathan for R4 Government Advocate (Crl.Side)