Anbarasan v. The District Collector,

O R D E R This petition has been filed seeking to direct the respondents 4 and 5 to grant adequate police protection based on the representation of the petitioner dated 05.02.2026.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the rival party is not allowing Ramu Thevar vagaira to conduct pooja in the temple and the said vagaira has been conducting the pooja for long years. Hence, the petitioner seeks police protection to enable them to exercise his duties poojariship.

¶3The learned counsel for the Intervenor, appearing on behalf of one Karuppaiah had submitted that the HR & CE Department has appointed the fit person to manage the temple. He further submitted that the petitioner is not entitled to claim any Poojariship right.

¶4The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) submitted that there are two groups involved in the dispute, and all parties are claiming the right to worship of the deity.

5.Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court directs respondents 4 and 5 to provide adequate police protection for the conduct of the Maha Sivarathiri Thiruvizha at Arulmigu Sri Periyanayagi Amman & Karuppar Temple, Thottamangalam Village, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, scheduled to be held from 14.02.2026 to 16.02.2026. This order is confined solely to ensuring peaceful worship during the said festival. The Fit Person appointed by the HR & CE Department shall look after the administration. The petitioner shall be entitled only to the right of worship. As far as Poojariship for this year , the Tahsildar shall conduct enquiry and pass orders.

¶6With the above directions, this Writ Petition (Criminal) is disposed of.

13.02.2026 Index : Yes / No

Internet : Yes NCC : Yes / No

msrm Note: Issue order copy on 13.02.2026 To

¶1The District Collector, District Collectorate,

¶2The Revenue Divisional Officer, RDO Office,

¶3The Tahsildar, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Thiruvadanai.

¶4The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thiruvadanai Range, Thiruvadanai,

¶5The Inspector of Police, Thiruvadanai Police Station, Thiruvadanai,

¶6The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai S.SRIMATHY, J msrm W.P.CRL.(MD)No. 832 of 2026

13.02.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 13.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY Anbarasan ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The District Collector, District Collectorate, 2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, RDO Office, 3. The Tahsildar, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Thiruvadanai. 4. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thiruvadanai Range, Thiruvadanai, 5. The Inspector of Police, Thiruvadanai Police Station, Thiruvadanai, ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, direct the 4th and 5th respondents to provide adequate police protection to celebrate the Maha Sivarathiri Thiruvizha at Arulmigu Sri Periyanayagi Amman & Karuppar Temple, Thottamangalam Village , Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District scheduled to be held on 14.02.2026 to 16.02.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 05.02.2026 within a reasonable stipulated time. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Paramasivam For Respondents : Mr.P.Thambidurai Government Advocate (R1 to R3) Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (Crl.Side) (R4 & R5) For Intervenor : Mr.R.Vinoth