A.Velmurugan v. The District Collector

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

¶2This Writ Petition has been filed for issuance of writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider petitioner's representation dated

20.05.2026 and to issue appropriate directions to the 5th respondent to provide police protection, ensure his participation in the temple festival, facilitate the collection of pangali vari from him and take necessary action against respondents 7 and 8 for their unlawful conduct.

¶3The brief facts of the case is that the petitioner belongs to the Marudhakula Nadar community and claims hereditary rights as a pangali in the Page3 of 6 Arulmigu Sri Annamar Swamy, Sri Kannimar Swamy and Sri Karupparayan Swamy Temple situated at Goundampalayam. The petitioner contends that his father, Late Arumugam, was a recognized pangali who actively participated in the temple festivals and rituals and that such right have devolved upon him by succession.

3.1. According to the petitioner, although three out of the four pangali groups have accepted his participation, the 7th and 8th respondents have been unlawfully preventing him from participating in the temple festivals and rituals. On 14.04.2021, when the petitioner attempted to perform Pongal during the temple festival, respondents 7 and 8 allegedly obstructed him and his supporters, resulting in the registration of CSR No.39 of 2021.

3.2. The petitioner thereafter filed W.P. No.12314 of 2022, wherein this Court, by order dated 11.05.2022, recorded the undertaking of the contesting respondents that they had no objection to the petitioner performing the temple rituals and allowed the same. Despite the said order, the respondents 7 and 8 allegedly continued to exclude the petitioner from participating in the temple festival.

3.3. Consequently, the petitioner submitted a representation dated

20.05.2026, to the official respondents seeking intervention and police protection to ensure his participation in the temple festival and collection of pangali vari. As no effective action was taken, the present writ petition has been filed seeking appropriate directions. Page4 of 6

¶4Learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents1 to 6 would submit that the temple in question is governed by HR & CE Act and petitioner may approach the statutory authority therein. On this being pointed out, learned counsel for petitioner would submit that they may be granted liberty to approach the appropriate Authority.

¶5In view thereof, this Court disposes of this writ petition granting liberty to the petitioner to seek redressal of grievance, if any, in the manner known to law.

¶6With the above observations, this Writ Petition (Criminal) stand disposed of. No Costs.

29.05.2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order AT Note:

¶1Registry is directed to forthwith upload this order on the Official Website of this Court.

¶2All concerned to act on this order being uploaded on Official Website of this Court without insisting on certified hard copies. To be noted, this order when uploaded in the official website of this Court will be watermarked and will also have a QR code. Page5 of 6

To

¶1The District Collector, Erode District Collectorate, Erode – 638 011.

¶2The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Erode District 638 001.

¶3The Revenue Divisional Officer, Office of the Revenue Divisional Officer, Erode District 638 001.

¶4The Tahsildar, Perundurai Taluk Office, Perundurai 638 052.

¶5The Inspector of Police, Chennimalai Police Station, Erode District 638 051.

¶6The Village Administrative Officer, Madukattipalayam Village, Paniyampalli Village Administrative Offive, Perundurai Taluk, Erode District. Page6 of 6 MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ J. AT W.P.Crl.No.1232 of 2026

29.05.2026

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 29.05.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ A. Velmurugan ..Petitioner Vs 1. The District Collector, Erode District Collectorate, Erode – 638 011. 2. The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Erode District 638 001. 3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Office of the Revenue Divisional Officer, Erode District 638 001. 4. The Tahsildar, Perundurai Taluk Office, Perundurai 638 052. 5. The Inspector of Police, Chennimalai Police Station, Erode District 638 051. 6. The Village Administrative Officer, Madukattipalayam Village, Paniyampalli Village Administrative Office, Perundurai Taluk, Erode District. 7. Kulanthan 8. Chinnadurai ..Respondent(s) Page2 of 6 PRAYER : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider petitioner's representation dated 20.05.2026 and to issue appropriate directions to the 5th respondent to provide police protection, ensure his participation in the temple festival, direct collection of pangali vari from him and take necessary action against the 7th and 8th respondents for their unlawful conduct. For Petitioner(s): Mr.G.Ganapathy For Respondent(s): Mr.S.Yogaraja Sekar Government Advocate (Crl.Side)