T.Thangapandi v. The District Collector/Election Officer

ORDER This petition has been filed challenging the impugned order passed by the 3rd Respondent vide Na.Ka.No.31/DSP-Usiali/Election-Festival/2026, dated

20.03.2026 (signed on 22.03.2026) with a consequential direction to the respondents herein to grant permission and adequate police protection to perform the cultural programmes ie., Valli Thirumana Stage Drama on

31.03.2026 and Adal Padal on 01.04.2026 on the eve of Arulmigu Sri Mandhaiamman Temple at V.Kamatchipuram Village, Usilampatti Taluk,

¶2When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Government Advocate drew my attention to the impugned order dated 20.03.2026, wherein all the permissions required by the petitioner were granted, except for Adal Padal, citing the Election Code of Conduct. It was also made clear in the impugned order that all functions and entertainment programs should be concluded by 10:00 pm., on festival dates.

¶3I don't find any infirmity in the impugned order dated 20.03.2026. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed by permitting the petitioner to conduct all the temple festival and other entertainment programs, in terms of the order passed by the third respondent vide Na.Ka.No.31/DSP-Usiali/Election-Festival/2026, dated 20.03.2026 (signed on 22.03.2026). It is made clear they should not conduct the Adal Padal. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

25.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 26.03.2026.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm TO:-

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

¶2The Sub Collector/Assistant Election Officer, O/o.Sub Collector, Usilampatti,

¶3The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Usilampatti Sub Division,

¶4The Inspector of Police, Usilampatti Circle,

¶5The Sub Inspector of Police, Uthappanaickanur Police Station,

¶6The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. Dated

25.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 25.03.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI & W.M.P.Crl.(MD)No.397 of 2026 T.Thangapandi ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The District Collector/Election Officer, Madurai District, Madurai. 2. The Sub Collector/Assistant Election Officer, O/o.Sub Collector, Usilampatti, 3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Usilampatti Sub Division, 4. The Inspector of Police, Usilampatti Circle, 5. The Sub Inspector of Police, Uthappanaickanur Police Station, ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned order passed by the 3rd Respondent vide Na.Ka.No.31/DSP- Usiali/Election-Festival/2026, dated 20.03.2026(Signed on 22.03.2026) and Quash the same and consequently directing the respondents herein to grant permission and adequate police protection to perform the cultural programmes ie., Valli Thirumana Stage Drama on 31.03.2026 and Adal Padal on 01.04.2026 on the eve of Arulmigu Sri Mandhaiamman Temple at V.Kamatchipuram Village, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District. For Petitioner : Mr.A.Karthik For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar (R3 to R5) Government Advocate (Crl.) Mr.M.Muthumanikkam (R1 & R2) Government Advocate (Civil)