S.Muruganantham v. The Joint Commissioner

ORDER This writ petition has been filed to direct the 2nd respondent to fix the date for the Maasi Festival commencing from 01.03.2026, initiating by Kaappukattuthal in Arulmigu Veyilugundha Amman Temple, Thirupparankundram, Madurai followed by the 10 days rituals, as requested by the petitioners in their representation dated 07.02.2026.

¶2When this matter came up for hearing on 13.02.2026, this Court has passed the following orders: "This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the second respondent to fix the date for the Maasi Festival commencing from 01.03.2026, beginning with Kaappukattuthal, in Arulmigu Veyilugundha Amman Temple, Thirupparankundram, Madurai District, followed by the ten days' rituals, as requested by the petitioners in their representation dated 07.02.2026.

¶2Mr.K.Balasubramani, learned Special Government Pleader, takes notice for the first respondent and Mr.V.Chandrasekar, learned counsel, takes notice for the second respondent.

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners would submit that the Maasi Festival is traditionally celebrated in the above temple with ten days of rituals, commencing with Maavusathuthal on Sunday and followed by Kaappukattuthal on Monday night. It is further submitted that during the same Tamil month of Maasi, on the day of Maasi Karthigai, animal sacrifice is performed by a particular community as part of long-standing temple customs.

¶4According to the petitioners, the respondents have now fixed the Maasi Festival from 16.02.2026 to

23.02.2026. It is submitted that 15.02.2026 is Mahasivarathiri and, during that period, separate poojas and rituals connected with Sivarathiri will be performed. Therefore, it would not be feasible to conduct the ritual of Maavusathuthal simultaneously. It is further submitted that Maasi Karthigai falls on 23.02.2026 and that every year, on that day, animal sacrifice takes place inside the temple premises as per established practice. If the Sivarathiri

rituals,

Maavusathuthal,

and Kaappukattuthal are conducted simultaneously, it would cause inconvenience to devotees and would be contrary to the customary practices of the temple, considering the distinct nature of the rituals performed on those occasions.

¶5Per contra, the learned counsel appearing for the respondents would submit that the festival dates have already been fixed by Sthanika Bhattars after conducting Aarudam. It is contended that the petitioners, being poojaris, cannot seek alteration of the dates once they have been fixed by the competent temple authorities.

¶6This Court, prima facie, is of the view that during Mahasivarathiri, separate and elaborate poojas are conducted. In such circumstances, conducting the ritual of Maavusathuthal simultaneously may give rise to practical and customary difficulties, as contended by the petitioners. Further, the submissions regarding Maasi Karthigai and the long-standing practice associated therewith also require consideration.

¶7In view of the above and considering the prima facie case made out by the petitioners, there shall be an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from proceeding with the Maasi Festival as per the schedule fixed from 16.02.2026 to 23.02.2026, until further orders.

¶8Registry is directed to post this case on

18.02.2026 for further hearing."

¶3As per the direction of this Court vide aforesaid order dated

13.02.2026, today, the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents would submit that the original Maasi festival, which was planned from 16.02.2026 to 23.02.2026, has already been stopped.

¶4Now, the learned counsel for the petitioner made a request to fix the beginning date of Maasi festival on 02.03.2026.

¶5However, the learned counsel respondents would submit that the petitioner may be permitted to start the festival from 01.03.2026. Hence, he requests this Court to pass appropriate orders.

¶6Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the respondents and also perused the materials available on record.

¶7In the present case, the original Maasi Festival, which was planned between 16.02.2026 and 23.02.2026 was stopped. Now, a request was made by the petitioner to commence the said Festival on

02.03.2026. However, the respondents seek for commencement on

01.03.2026.

¶8In view of the above, the petitioner is granted liberty to make submission before the respondent with regard to the commencement of Maasi festival either on 01.03.2026 or on 02.03.2026. In such case, the respondent shall take a decision on this aspect in accordance with law.

¶9With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No cost. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are also closed.

18.02.2026 Speaking/Non-speaking order Index : Yes / No nsa To

¶1The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Admn.) Department Madurai.

¶2The Deputy Commissioner/Executive Officer Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple Thirupparankundram, Madurai. W.P.(MD)No.4304oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMY.J., nsa W.P.(MD)No.4304oofo2026 &oW.M.P(MD)Nos.3577o&o3578oofo2026oofo2026

18.02.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY & W.M.P(MD)Nos.3577 & 3578 of 2026 of 2026 1.S.Muruganantham 2.J.Sundarrajan 3.Rudhramoorthy 4.Balaguru ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The Joint Commissioner Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Admn.) Department Madurai. 2. The Deputy Commissioner/Executive Officer Arulmigu Subramaniyaswamy Temple Thirupparankundram, Madurai. ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent to fix the date for the Maasi Festival commencing from 01.03.2026, initiating by Kaappukattuthal in Arulmigu Veyilugundha Amman Temple, Thirupparankundram, Madurai followed by the 10 days rituals, as requested by the petitioners in their representation dated 07.02.2026 For Petitioner : Ms.J.Anandhavalli for Ms.S.Meenakshi Babu For Respondent : Mr.K.Balasubramani, SGP for R1 Mr.V.Chandrasekar, for R2