D. Manikandan v. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep. by the District Collector,

ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondent Nos.1 to 3 to return the temple keys of Arulmigu Kwajiamman, Arulmigu Govindan and Arulmigu Karuppasamy Temples situated at Kadamalaikundu Village, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District to the petitioner's Temple Administration Committee and to restrain the respondents from interfering with the lawful religious worship of their community except by due process of law, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 17.02.2026.

¶2Mrs.S.Jeyapriya, learned Government Advocate, takes notice for respondent Nos.1 to 3 and Mr. A. Albert James, learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side), takes notice for the fourth respondent. By consent of all parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

¶3When the matter was taken up for hearing, this Court, after hearing the submissions made on either side, directed the fourth respondent to hand over the keys of the temple. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that there is no dispute insofar as handing over the key for the purpose of enabling the devotees to worship the deity in the temple.

¶4In view of the same and considering the suggestion made by this Court, the key has been handed over and the temple has now been opened. Therefore, it is open to the temple committee to keep the temple open and permit the devotees to worship the deity.

¶5It is made clear that the respondents shall ensure that no law and order problem arises in the future. If any such situation arises, the respondents are directed to provide necessary police protection.

¶6Under no circumstances shall the temple be kept closed. If any person interferes with the peaceful worship of the devotees or attempts to create a law and order problem, the concerned police authorities shall immediately take action against such persons by registering an FIR and proceed in accordance with law.

¶7In the event of any dispute arising between the parties in the future, after taking necessary action, the key of the temple shall be handed over to the Village Administrative Officer (VAO) concerned. The VAO shall keep the temple open for the devotees and retain the key until an amicable settlement is arrived at between the parties.

¶8With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

26.02.2026 TSG Speaking/Non-speaking order Index : Yes / No To

1.The District Collector, Theni District, Theni.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Periyakulam, Theni District.

3.The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District.

4.The Inspector of Police, Kadamalaikundu Police Station, Theni District.

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J. TSG W.P.(MD)No.5253 of 2026

26.02.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENGH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 26.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY W.P.(MD)No.5253 of 2026 D.Manikandan ... Petitioner Vs 1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Represented by the District Collector, Theni District, Theni. 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Periyakulam, Theni District. 3.The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District. 4.The Inspector of Police, Kadamalaikundu Police Station, Theni District. ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent Nos.1 to 3 to return the temple keys of Arulmigu Kwajiamman, Arulmigu Govindan and Arulmigu Karuppasamy Temples situated at Kadamalaikundu Village, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District to the petitioner's Temple Administration Committee and to restrain the respondents from interfering with the lawful religious worship of their community except by due process of law, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 17.02.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Vikram For R-1 to R-3 : Mrs.S.Jeyapriya, Government Advocate For R-4 : Mr.A.Albert James, Government Advocate (Criminal Side)