Ramesh. Kk v. The State of Tamil Nadu

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 22.04.2024 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.SURESH KUMAR AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN W.P.(MD)Nos.8675 and 8687 of 2024 and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.7935, 7936, 7938 and 7940 of 2024 and W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024 and W.A.(MD)No.819 of 2024 W.P.(MD)No.8675 of 2024 K.K.Ramesh ... Petitioner -Vs-

1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Home Secretary, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Director General of Police, Dr.Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai.

3.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

4.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

5.The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Arignar Anna Maaligai, Madurai.

6.The Commissioner of Police, Madurai City, Alagarkoil Road, Madurai.

7.The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District, Alagarkovil Road, Madurai.

8.The Joint Commissioner / Executive Officer, Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai District.

9.Executive Officer, Arulmigu Kallalagar Temple, Madurai District.

10.The Assistant Director of Drugs Control, Office of the Assistant Director of Drugs Control, Madurai Mobile Squad, Prampumalaikaradu, Melakuyilkudi, Nagamalaipudukkottai, Madurai-625 019. ... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to instruct the respondents to a) To adequate police protection should be given to the places Meenakshi Amman Festival and Lord Kallalagar Festival in Madurai. b) To mobile Medical Services may be set up in large level in festival places in Madurai c) To flying squads may be set up monitor the Annadhanam foods and hygienic foods to the devotees in Meenakshi Amman Festival and Lord Kallalagar Festival in Madurai. d) To provide drinking water mobile toilet and some other basic facility to the devotees at the time of Chithirai Festival by considering the petitioner's representation dated 20.03.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.K.K.Ramesh (Party-in-Person) For R1 to R4 : Mr.Veera Kathiravan, & R10 Additional Advocate General, assisted by Mr.P.Thilak Kumar,

Government Pleader For R5 : Mr.K.K.Kannan, Standing Counsel For R6 & R7 : Mr.S.S.Madhavan, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) For R8 : Mr.V.R.Shanmuganathan, Standing Counsel For R9 : Mr.S.Manohar W.P.(MD)No.8687 of 2024 G.D.Manikandan ... Petitioner -Vs-

1.The Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Tourism, Culture & Endowments Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

3.The Joint Commissioner, Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukovil, Madurai.

4.The Chairman, Trust Board, Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukovil, Madurai.

5.The Deputy Commissioner, Arulmigu Kallalagar Thirukovil, Alagarkovil, Melur Taluk, Maurai.

6.The Chairman, Trust Board, Arulmigu Kallalagar Thirukovil, Alagarkovil, Melur Taluk, Maurai.

7.The District Collector, District Collector's Office, Madurai-20.

8.The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Arignar Anna Maaligai, Thallakulam, Madurai-625 002.

9.The Dean, Govt.Rajaji Hospital, Panagar Road, Madurai-625 020.

10.The City Police Commissioner, Commissioner of Police Office, Alagar Kovil Main Road, Madurai-625 002.

11.The Inspector of Police (Law and Order & Crime), B-2 Police Station, South Chithirai Street, Madurai-625 001.

12.The Deputy Director, Southern Region, Fire & Rescue Services Department, Melaveli Street, Madurai-625 001.

13.The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Madurai Race Course Road, K.Pudur, Madurai-62500. ... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 16.02.2024 and take appropriate steps for a grand celebration of "Chithirai Festival fo the year 2024" by providing free Darshan to all devotees for the entire festival period in Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukovil and Arulmigu Kallalagar Thirukovil within a time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.V.Meenakshi Sundaram, for Mr.M.Vinothraj For R1, R2, R7, R9: Mr.Veera Kathiravan, R12 & R13 Additional Advocate General, assisted by Mr.P.Thilak Kumar,

Government Pleader For R3 & R4 : Mr.V.R.Shanmuganathan Standing Counsel For R5 & R6 : Mr.S.Manohar For R8 : Mr.S.Vinayak, Standing Counsel For R10 & R11 : Mr.S.S.Madhavan, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) COMMON ORDER [Order of the Court was made by R.SURESH KUMAR, J.] Since the issue raised in these Writ Petitions as well as Writ Appeal is related to Chithirai Festival of Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai and Arulmigu Kallazhagar Temple and as the issues raised in these cases are interlinked, with the consent of the learned counsel for the parties, all these cases were heard together.

2.Insofar as W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024 and W.A.(MD)No.819 of 2024 are concerned, those two cases are taken up along with other Writ Petitions for the purpose of passing the present order, which would be an interim order in those cases ie., W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024 and W.A.(MD)No.819 of 2024.

3.Insofar as W.P.(MD)Nos.8675 and 8687 of 2024 are concerned, these Writ Petitions are disposed of by this order itself.

4.In W.P.(MD)Nos.8675 and 8687 of 2024, we have passed interim orders on 08.04.2024 and 18.04.2024.

5.Pursuant to the said orders, especially, order dated 18.04.2024, we have visited the spot, where Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River in the early hours on 23.04.2024 as well as the surrounding area, yesterday ie., on

21.04.2024.

6.The District Administration headed by the District Collector, Commissioner of Police and other police officials, Commissioner of Madurai Corporation and his officials, the officials of Public Works Department, Fire and Rescue Service Department, Health Department and Water Resources Department and also the temple authorities of Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Arulmigu Kallazhagar Temple, the learned Additional Advocate General, the learned Government Pleader, the learned Government counsel and others were present.

7.The elaborate arrangements, which are made for the grand festival of Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River, had been explained to us by the stakeholders concerned. After having inspected the places, we felt that some more directions are necessarily to be given to the District Administration, Police and Civic Administration and the temple authorities for the smooth and secured conducting of the festival.

8.As the festival of Celestial marriage at Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Car festival had been over by today (22.04.2024), the only major festival left is the Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River, which is scheduled to be conducted by tomorrow (23.04.2024) at 05.50 a.m., to

6.10 a.m. In the said festival by taking into account of the earlier year's statistics, the District Administration and the temple authorities expect that there will be gathering of devotees to the extent of 7 to 10 lakhs.

9.If any festival is being conducted, where the expected devotees would be touching one million, it will be very noted festival not only of the State but also throughout the Country. Therefore, such a mammoth festival is to be conducted with utmost care and precautions in all respects.

10.In this context, we already recorded as per the instructions given by the Administration concerned that how much police persons would be deployed for security purposes. Insofar as the arrangements, that are made in the festival site at Vaigai River are concerned, we were told by the authorities concerned that this year both in the northern bank and southern bank of Vaigai River, new footsteps have been constructed very recently, which are put to use for public. Using the staircase, public can enter into the Vaigai River from where they can witness the event of the Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River conveniently.

11.This arrangement for the first time this year they have made only in order to manage the crowd, as several lakhs of people will throng in a particular spot in Vaigai River at the time of the Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River.

12.In this context, we have also to point out that for the purpose of this festival, water has been released from Vaigai Dam, which already reached Madurai and there had been water flowing, which, according to the Public Works Department and Water Resource Department, is 1000 cubic feet.

13.However, on seeing the flow of water, we felt that if that much of water is permitted to flow during this Kallazhagar festival time, especially, when the Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River, where lakhs of people may make use of the river bed, that may not be conducive for those, especially, women and children to have a free standing on the River.

14.Therefore, yesterday (21.04.2024), we orally suggested that the quantity of water being released can be reduced to the optimum level, which would be decided by the authorities concerned.

15.Pursuant to the said suggestion, today (22.04.2024), the learned Additional Advocate General and the learned Government Pleader appearing for the official respondents / District Administration, on instructions, would submit that the water flow has been reduced to 400 cubic feet, which would be, according to them, the optimum level and the same has to be maintained for the purpose of conducting the festival, as the devotees would expect that water flow for their worshipping purposes.

16.That apart, how medical facilities are provided in and around the spot, how drinking water facilities are provided throughout the en-route and also in the spot and how the crowd management will be undertaken by the police force by placing temporary barricades, all have been explained to us.

17.That apart, the Deputy Director of Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services, Southern Region, Madurai, has filed a report, where inter-alia, he has stated the following:- "During these festival days (21.04.2024, 22.04.2024 &

23.04.2024) lakhs of devotees would witness the festival. Considering the devotees and general public safety, it is proposed to conduct standby duties by deploying 13 fire vehicles (Emergency Rescue Tender, Fire Water Tenders, Fire Water Bowzers, Ambulance, Fire Bullet Squad) with 212 fire fighters under the supervision of Dy.Director Southern Region, Madurai along with 2 District Officers, 4 Assistant District Officers. It is further informed that Fire & Rescue Services Department have fully equipped and mobilised sufficient forces to carry out the bandobast standby duties for the Madurai Chithirai Festival 2024. It is submitted that this status report along with the annexe Standby Duty Scheme and Action Plan for the kind perusal and orders. Annexure: Standby Duty Scheme & Action Plan."

18.Insofar as on the line live wires crossing across the en-route, the Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River are concerned, it was, in fact, inspected by us and the District Administration and stakeholders have explained that those live wires had been put in the maximum height and tightened. Therefore, that would not create any hindrance to the free moving of Kallazhagar through the en-route.

19.In fact, emergency medical camp has been set up at Theni Anantham Complex, where a group of Doctors with emergency medicines are kept ready to meet out any medical emergency. Apart from that, if any further medical assistance is required, the Rajaji Medical College Hospital since is located nearby, such medical care also would be immediately given. This is what the assertion made by the City Health Officer, Corporation of Madurai.

20.Having taken note of these elaborate arrangements, that have been made by the District Administration and stakeholders concerned, we have satisfied that if these arrangements have been made or pressed into service with utmost care, meticulous plan and execution, the function would be conducted in a smooth manner without giving any room for any complaint or any untoward.

21.Insofar as W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024 and W.A.(MD)No.819 of 2024 are concerned, this Writ Petition and this Writ Appeal pertain to water spreading or water pouring by the devotees during Kallazhagar procession from Azhagar Kovil till the Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River.

22.In this regard also, we have passed an interim order on 18.04.2024 in W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024, where we have stayed the order passed by the District Collector, Madurai / 1st respondent in the said Writ Petition dated 03.04.2024, under which, the District Collector had made certain restrictions and made it compulsory for those devotees, who want to complete their Nerthikadan in spreading water through the en-route and also at the time of the Lord Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River, to register their names in advance.

23.In this regard, as we directed the respondents, the Executive Officer of the Kallazhagar Temple has filed a report dated 18.04.2024, where the Deputy Commissioner / Executive Officer has made the following:- ",j;jpUf;Nfhapypd; 1433k; gryp 2024Mk; Mz;L rpj;jpiug; ngUe;jpUtpoh tUfpw 19.04.2024 Kjy; 28.04.2024 tiu eilngwTs;sJ. Nkw;gb jpUtpohtpy; 23.04.2024k; Njjp fhiy 5.51 kzpf;F Nky; 6.10 kzpf;Fs; mUs;kpF fs;sofu; itif Mw;wpy; vOe;jUSfpwhu;. Nkw;gb jpUtpohtpw;F jkpofj;jpd; midj;Jg; gFjpfspypUe;Jk; gy;yhapuf;fzf;fhd gf;ju;fs; mofu;NfhapYf;F tUif jUthu;fs;. ,J jkpofj;jpd; Kf;fpa jpUtpohf;fspy; xd;whf Fwpg;gplg;gl;L (NotifiedoFestival ) cyfk; KOtJk; cs;s kf;fshy; mwpag;gl;L rpwg;ghf tUle;NjhUk; nfhz;lhlg;gl;L tUfpwJ. Nkw;gb jpUtpohtpy; gf;ju;fs; tpujk; Nkw;f;nfhzL; mUs;kpF fs;sofu; kPJ jz;zPu; gPr;Rk; Neu;j;jpf;fld; nrYj;JtJ vd;gJ gd;ndLk; fhykhf njhd;Wj;njhl;L tof;fj;jpy; cs;s epfo;thFk;. kJiu kw;Wk; mjd; Rw;Wg;Gw fpuhkq;fspypUe;Jk;> rptfq;if khtl;lk;> jpzL; f;fy; khtl;lk;> ,uhkehjGuk; khtl;lk;. Nghd;w kJiuf;F mUfikapy; cs;s khtl;lq;fspy; ,Ue;Jk; kw;Wk; jkpofj;jpd; gygFjpfspYUe;Jk; gy;yhapuf;fzf;fhd gf;ju;fs; kJiuapy; elf;Fk; rpj;jpiuj;jpUtpohtpy; fye;Jnfhz;L mUs;kpF fs;sofu; Nky; jz;zPu; gPr;R nrYj;jp tUfpd;wdu;. Neu;j;jpf;fld; jz;zPu;gpr;R Neu;j;jpf;fld; Fwpg;ghf jpthd; ,uhkuhau; kz;lfg;gbapy; elg;gJ tof;fk;. mq;F Mapuf;fzf;fhd gf;ju;fs; mUs;kpF fs;sofu; kPJ jz;zPu; gPr;rp jq;fsJ Neu;j;jpf;flid epiwT nra;tJ tof;fj;jpy; ,Ue;Js;sJ. ,e;epfo;thdJ fle;j gy Mz;LfSf;F Kd;djhfNt jy;yhFsk; mUs;kpF gpurd;d ntq;flh[ygjp jpUf;NfhapypUe;J mUs;kpF fs;sofu; Fjpiu thfdj;jpy; Gwg;ghlfp ntspNa te;jTlNdNa jz;zPu; gPr;R Neu;j;jpf;fld; Muk;gpj;JtpLfpwhu;fs; NkYk; mjid njhlu;e;J mofu; nrYj;j itifahW nry;Yk; top neLfpYk;> itif Mw;wpYk;> mjid njhlu;e;J jpthd; ,uhkuhau; kz;lfg;gbapYk; jz;zPu;gPr;R Neu;j;jpf;fld; nrYj;jp tUfpwhu;fs;. Fwpg;ghf jpthd; ,uhkuhau; kz;lfg;gbapy;> gf;ju;fs; kz;lfg;gbf;F nry;Yk; topapNyNa ,UGwKk; Mapuf;fhzf;fpy; $b epd;W mUs;kpF fs;sofu; Fjpiu thfdj;jpy; vOe;jUsp tUk; NghJ jz;zPu;gPr;rp jq;fsJ Neu;j;jpf;flid epiwNtw;Wfpwhu;fs;. gpd;G jpthd; ,uhkuhau; kz;lfg;gbapYk; jz;zPu; gPr;R eilngWk;. mjd; gpwF mUs;kpF fs;sofu; Fjpiu thfdj;jpy; tz;bA+u; mUs;kpF tPuuhfg; ngUkhs; NfhapYf;F nrd;wilAk; tiuapYk; Rthkp nry;Yk; top neLfpYk; Mq;ffhq;Nf gf;ju;fs; $bapUe;J jz;zPu; gPr;rp jq;fsJ Neu;j;jpf;flid epiwNtw;wp tUfpwu;fs;. Neu;j;jpf;fld; nrYj;Jk; nghJthf jz;zPu; gPr;R gf;ju;fs; Ijpfj;jpd;gb Njhy; igapy; JUj;jp Nghd;w rpwpa igg; nghUj;jp Rj;jkhd jz;zPiu mUs;kpF fs;sofu; kPJ gPr;RtJ gz;neLq;fhykhf tof;fj;jpy; ,Ue;J te;Js;sJ. jw;nghOJ jz;zPu; gpr;Rk; egu;fs; tpirgk;G (Pressure o pump) ngUj;jpAk;> Ntjpg;nghUl;fs;> jputpaq;fs;> rhaq;fs;. ghy;> japu; Nghd;w gy nghUl;fis jz;zPUld; fye;J jz;zPu; gPr;R epfo;j;Jfpd;wdu;. ,jdhy; mUs;kpF fs;sofu; tpf;ufj;jpw;F ghjpg;G Vw;gLtJld;> mofu; mzpe;J tUk; tpiy kjpf;f Kbahj eiffSf;F Nrjk; Vw;gLk; tha;gG; cs;sJ. NkYk; mofUf;F Nrit rhjpj;J tUk; gl;lUf;Fk; fz; kw;Wk; Njhy; gFjpfspy; Nkw;gb ,urhazk;> ghy;> japu; fye;j ePu; njhlu;e;JgLtjhy; Njhy; myu;[p kw;Wk; fz; ghjpgG; fs; Vw;gLtJ jtpu;f;f ,ayj;jhfpwJ. mJ kl;Lkpy;yhJ mofUf;F nrYj;Jk; Neu;j;jpf;flid jtwhd Kiwapy; jpUtpohtpw;F tUk; ngz;fs;> Foe;ijfs; kw;Wk; KjpNahu;fs; kPJ jz;zPu; gPr;Rtjhy; mtu;fs; gy ,d;dy;fSf;F Mshf NeupLfpwJ vd;w tpguk; njuptpj;Jf; nfhs;ssg;gLfpwJ. Nkw;gb jz;zPu; gPr;R Neu;j;jpfld; nrYj;j jkpofj;jpd; gy;NtW khtl;lq;fspypUe;Jk; gf;ju;fs; kJiuf;F tUtjhy; mtu;fs; nrd;id cau;ePjpkd;w kJiu fpis tof;F WPoNo. 6948/2024> ehs; 28.03.2024 cj;jutpd; gb jpUf;Nfhapy; epu;thfj;jplk; jz;zPu; gpr;R Neu;j;jpf;fld; nrYj;j mDkjp ngWtjpy; gy eil Kiw rpf;fy;fs; cs;sd vd gf;ju;fs; gyuplkpUe;J mjpUg;jpfs; ntspte;jtz;zk;

cs;sd.

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gy;yhapuf;fzf;fhd gf;ju;fSf;F jz;zPu; gPr;R mDkjp toq;Ftjw;fhd fhy mtfhrk; kpff; FiwthfNt cs;sJ vd;gJ Fwpg;gplj;jf;fjhFk; vd;w tpguk; njuptpj;Jf; nfhs;ssg;gLfpwJ."

24.Relying upon this report, the learned Standing Counsel for the Executive Officer of the Kallazhagar Temple has submitted that insofar as the water spreading event is concerned, it is one of the Nerthikadan and also it is the ceremony being followed from time memorial. Several thousands of devotees would take this kind of Nerthikadan during the Kallazhagar festival every year.

25.Stating this, the learned Standing Counsel would further submit that sometime in the name of Nerthikadan by spreading water on Lord Kallazhagar or on the devotees, pressure pumps were fitted by some few people. Those people may not be the true devotees, but can only be branded as miscreants. Like that some of them instead of spreading pure water, sometime they spread colored water and some chemicals would be added and sometime milk and curd would also be added. If these kind of water mixed with any other things as stated above or poured either on the devotees or on the Lord Kallazhagar and the priests, who are standing along with the Lord Kallazhagar during the entire procession, that will harm the devotees as well as the priests. Therefore, that kind of practice by the very miscreants should be prohibited and prevented, he contended.

26.Apart from this small complaint, there had been no other complaint with regard to the water spreading ceremony, which is one of the Nerthikadan being undertaken by thousands of devotees during the Kallazhagar Festival.

27.In the report, it has also been stated that insofar as the direction that had been given by the Writ Court in W.P.(MD)No.6948 of 2024, dated 28.03.2024 is concerned, it is practically difficult for executing such directions by the temple authorities.

28.The learned Standing Counsel would further contend that since this Court intervened against the order passed by the Writ Court dated 03.04.2024, as there had been only 7 persons registered, seeking such permission for water spreading, therefore, it was a very lukewarm response to register themselves for such water spreading event by devotees, as thousands of devotees would normally involve in that exercise, whereas less than 10 people wanted to register their name. Therefore, it goes against the wishes of entire devotees. This is also one of the issue that had been brought to our notice by the temple authorities by the report filed by the Executive Officer.

29.We have taken judicial notice of the same.

30.Insofar as the issuance of pass to the Kattalaidharar, Upayatharar, Mandagapaditharar as well as V.I.Ps., is concerned, it is submitted by the learned Standing Counsel for the Kallazhagar Temple that there are 2000 (two thousand) passes issued in that category ie., Kattalaidharar, Upayatharar, Mandagapaditharar as well V.I.Ps.,. Each pass will carry only one person, that means, by having that pass, only one person will be permitted in the reserved separate enclosure. That apart, the temple authorities also issued 400 (four hundred) number of badges inscribing it as "Arulmigu Kallazhagar Thirukovil, Joint Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Chithirai Perunthiruvizha-2024".

31.These badges, according to the learned Additional Advocate General, the learned Government Pleader as well as the learned Standing Counsel for the temple, were issued mainly for V.I.Ps., officials and the temple authorities. Even the person, who wear the badge will not be permitted to take any additional person along with him or her. Therefore, altogether, there will be only 2000 + 400 = 2400 entrants permitted in the reserved enclosure, where the Lord Kallazhagar will descend into Vaigai River and will be rested for further poojas.

32.We have taken note of these arrangements also. Insofar as the said enclosure, which has been specifically made in the Vaigai River bed for the purpose of the Lord Kallazhagar descending into the River is concerned, it is a small place and just adjacent to this place, water flow in the Vaigai River is found. When that being so, the place cannot be further extended for the purpose of allowing more number of devotees in the name of the Kattalaidharar, Upayatharar, Mandagapaditharar as well V.I.Ps., etc.

33.Therefore, the authorities, especially, Police authorities must be strict in the pass and badge system for totally 2400 people alone in the reserved enclosure.

34.In the name of having pass or in the name of holding badge, that pass holder or badge holder shall not be permitted to take any other second person with him or her. This should be strictly maintained.

35.The over all arrangements, that have been made by the District Administration, Police authorities, all other departments of the State, temple authorities, as has been explained herein above, are to the satisfaction of this Court. Therefore, recording the aforestated we feel that W.P.(MD)Nos.8675 and 8687 of 2024 can be disposed of. Insofar as the water spreading Nerthikadan is concerned, in W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024 and W.A.(MD)No.819 of 2024, we are inclined to give the following directions:-

(i)During the entire Kallazhagar procession as well as at the time of descending into Vaigai River and also on the return journey of the Kallazhagar to the Azagar Kovil, water spreading event can be permitted as per the usual fanfare. Insofar as the restrictions, that have been made of course pursuant to the order passed by the Writ Court as directed by the District Administration vide order dated 03.04.2024 is concerned, since that order has already been stayed, no further order is required to be given on the said order dated 03.04.2024 passed by the District Collector, Madurai.

(ii)The devotees are permitted to spread water by using the leather bags or any other bags or containers by using only natural force, that means in pump using hand force alone. No power pump using battery or any other mechanised system would be permitted to use. If any of the devotee is having such kind of power pump, the police can immediately take action and seize the apparatus.

(iii)It is also the duty of the police to ensure that during the water spreading event only pure water is to be used and no colored water or mixed water with any materials like chemicals, milk or curd would be permitted. This shall be ensured by the Police and they also must ensure that such a water spreading event shall not be permitted to be on the children as well as the aged people.

(iv)If the police finds any excessive water spreading by a particular devotee / person on a targeted devotee or a crowd, that could be prevented and the Police can take necessary action against those individuals.

36.We also direct the City Police Commissioner, Madurai to ensure that the Police force deployed for Kallazhagar festival shall be pressed into service even after the Kallazhagar descending into Vaigai River atleast for few hours till the major portion of the crowd is getting disbursed peacefully.

37.With all these aforestated orders and directions, W.P.(MD)Nos. 8675 and 8687 of 2024 are disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

38.Post W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024 and W.A.(MD)No.819 of 2024 in the 3rd week of June, 2024. [R.S.K., J.] & [G.A.M., J.]

22.04.2024

NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Yuva Note: Issue order copy on 22.04.2024. To

1.The Home Secretary, State of Tamil Nadu, Fort St.George, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Director General of Police, Dr.Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai.

3.The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

4.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

5.The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Arignar Anna Maaligai, Madurai.

6.The Commissioner of Police, Madurai City, Alagarkoil Road, Madurai.

7.The Superintendent of Police, Madurai District, Alagarkovil Road, Madurai.

8.The Assistant Director of Drugs Control, Office of the Assistant Director of Drugs Control, Madurai Mobile Squad, Prampumalaikaradu, Melakuyilkudi, Nagamalaipudukkottai, Madurai-625 019.

9.The Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu, Tourism, Culture & Endowments Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.

10.The Joint Commissioner, Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukovil, Madurai.

11.The Dean, Govt.Rajaji Hospital, Panagar Road, Madurai-625 020.

12.The Inspector of Police (Law and Order & Crime), B-2 Police Station, South Chithirai Street, Madurai-625 001.

13.The Deputy Director, Southern Region, Fire & Rescue Services Department, Melaveli Street, Madurai-625 001.

R.SURESH KUMAR, J. AND G.ARUL MURUGAN

, J. Yuva

14.The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Madurai Race Course Road, K.Pudur, Madurai-62500. W.P.(MD)Nos.8675 and 8687 of 2024 and W.P.(MD)No.9476 of 2024 and W.A.(MD)No.819 of 2024

22.04.2024