C.Durairaj Gounder v. The District Election Officer / District Collector,

ORDER This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 2 and 3 to grant permission to the petitioner to conduct Panguni festival from

07.04.2026 to 15.04.2026 at Sri Mariamman Temple, Pannankombu, Pannapatti Keelpagam Village, Manapparai Taluk, Trichy by considering the petitioner's representation dated 18.03.2026.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the subject temple is a village temple worshipped by the people of Pannapatti Keelpagam Village at Manapparai Taluk, Trichy and also by the neighbourhood villages and the temple was established ten decades ago and is now being managed by the Village Head (Cu; ehl;lhik). The petitioner is the present Village Head (Cu; ehl;lhik)and he is taking care of the temple management. However, the private respondents are causing interference with the administration and the conduct of temple panguni festival. Hence, the petitioner has made a representation to the respondent police and the Returning Officer. However, the same is not considered and hence, this writ petition came to be filed.

¶3The learned Government Advocate, Mr.M.Muthumanikkam categorically contented that even last year, there had been a disruption of public law and order between the petitioner and the private respondents. In this regard, a peace committee meeting was convened by the second respondent, wherein certain conditions were imposed, and the festival was conducted in compliance with those conditions during last year. It was further submitted that the festival may be permitted to be conducted also this year on similar lines.

¶4The learned Government Advocate Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar, is also sailing with the submission made by the learned Government Advocate, Mr.M.Muthumanikkam.

¶5Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record. Since no adverse order is proposed to be passed against the private respondents, notice to them is dispensed with.

¶6Considering the fact that the representation made by the petitioner dated 18.03.2026 is under consideration by the second respondent, the second respondent is directed to pass appropriate orders on the said representation, on merits and in accordance with law, and also in terms of the conditions imposed in the Peace Committee Proceedings dated 03.06.2025, in Na.Ka.Aaa2/5151/2022.

¶7With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of.

26.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 27.03.2026. TO:-

¶1The District Election Officer / District Collector, Trichy District, Trichy.

¶2The Returning Officer / Tahsildar, Manapparai Taluk, Trichy District.

¶3The Inspector of Police, Puthanatham Police Station, Trichy District.

¶4The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Dated

26.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.03.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI C.Durairaj Gounder ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The District Election Officer / District Collector, Trichy District, Trichy. 2. The Returning Officer / Tahsildar, Manapparai Taluk, Trichy District. 3. The Inspector of Police, Puthanatham Police Station, Trichy District. 4. Chinna Gounder 5. Mookan @ Perumal Gounder ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 2 and 3 to grant permission to the petitioner to conduct Panguni festival from 07.04.2026 to 15.04.2026 at Sri Mariamman Temple, Pannankombu, Pannapatti Keelpagam Village, Manapparai Taluk, Trichy by considering the petitioner's representation dated 18.03.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.T.Leninkumar For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar (R3) Government Advocate (Crl.) Mr.M.Muthumanikkam (R1 & R2) Government Advocate (Civil)