S.Palraj v. The District Collector

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed for issuing a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd and 6th respondents to provide police protection to the petitioner for conducting poojas in connection with the Mahasivarathiri Thiruvizha @ Masi Kalari Thiruvizha to be held from 15.02.2026 to

18.02.2026, as well as for performing daily poojas at Arulmighu Sri Palmeli Ayyanar Temple situated at Vallanthai Village, T. Punavasal Post, Kamudhi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District.

¶2The petitioner claims himself to be a hereditary poosari of the said temple. However, the learned counsel appearing for respondents 7 and 8 submitted that the petitioner has not been conferred with any hereditary poojariship rights. It is stated that originally the petitioner's father, namely Samayan, was the poojari. However, certain allegations, particularly relating to misappropriation, were made against the said Samayan. Thereafter, based on the advice of the HR & CE Department, a 9-member committee was constituted in the year 2003. The said committee comprises representatives from various communities residing in the village and has been managing the administration of the temple since then.

¶3It is further submitted that the committee appointed one Sivasamy, S/o. Paul Meli, as a temporary poojari, and he has been performing poojas from the year 2018 onwards. As on date, the petitioner has filed the petition seeking recognition of his alleged hereditary right, and the same is stated to be pending adjudication. Admittedly, no order has been passed conferring hereditary poojariship rights upon the petitioner. In such circumstances, for the present year, Sivasamy shall continue to act as the temporary poojari and conduct the festival. Hence, the claim of the petitioner for police protection to conduct poojas cannot be considered.

¶4Accordingly, this Writ Petition is dismissed.

13.02.2026 trp Index : yes / no Internet: yes / no TO

¶1The District Collector, Ramanathapuram District, Ramanathapuram..

¶2The Superintendent of Police, Ramanathapuram District,Ramanathapuram..

¶3The Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi,

¶4The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Kamudhi, Ramanathapuram District..

¶5The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable, Endowment Department, Ramanathapuram,

¶6The Inspector of Police, Kamudhi Police Station, S.SRIMATHY,J trp

ORDER IN WP CRL.(MD) No.663 of 2026 Date : 13/02/2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 13/02/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY S.Palraj ... Petitioner Vs 1. The District Collector, Ramanathapuram District, Ramanathapuram.. 2. The Superintendent of Police, Ramanathapuram District,Ramanathapuram.. 3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi, 4. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Kamudhi, 5. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable, Endowment Department, Ramanathapuram, 6. The Inspector of Police, Kamudhi Police Station, 7. M.Thanaraj 8. K.Muthuvijayan @ Kannan ... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 2nd and 6th respondents to give protection for the petitioner for conduction Poojas in Mahasivarathiri Thiruvizha @ Masi Kalari Thiruvizha in Arulmighu Sri Palmeli Ayanar Temple will be held on 15.02.2026 to 18.02.2026 as well as daily poojas in this temple situated at Vallanthai Village, T.Punavasal Post, Kamudhi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Ranjithkumar, Advocate. For Respondent : Mr.A.S. Baul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Crl.Side)