Sethupathi.M v. The District Collector

O R D E R

This writ petition is filed for a Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 4 to permit the petitioner and the members of Adi Dravidar Community people to conduct and take part in Sri Muthumariamman Temple festival, dated 16.04.2023 to 28.04.2023, situated at Vadakadu Post, Vadakadu, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukottai.

2.Though the Administrator of the Muthumariamman Temple is not a party to this writ petition, the learned counsel for the Administrator submits that they have never prevented anybody to worship the deity. However, the petitioner with an intention to have some right in the administration of the temple has already made a representation to the concerned authorities, seeking for a right of mandagapadi and others. The Muthumariamman Temple is the village temple maintained by four karaithars from time immemorial and by way of filing this writ petition, the petitioner has attempted to enter into the administration of the temple.

3.In reply, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the petitioner has not claimed any right on the administration of the temple. He only seeks a permission for offering prayer to deity and also to offer some pongal during the temple festival period. The learned counsel is also prepared to file an affidavit of undertaking to that effect. The learned counsel further submits that the festival commences from 16.04.2023.

4.In view of the submissions made by the learned counsel for the petitioner that they are not claiming any right over the administration of the above temple and their intention is only to offer poojas and pongal during the festival period, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the official respondents to ensure that this petitioner and the members of the Adi Dravidar community people are permitted to offer prayer as well as pongal to the deity.

5.With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

13.04.2023 NCC : Yes / No. Index : Yes / No. Internet : Yes / No. vrn To

1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District.

2.The Commissioner, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungampakkam, Chennai – 34.

3.The Joint Commissioner, S.M.Salai, Thanjavur, Thanjavur District.

4.The Assistant Commissioner, 13/1, Lakshmi Nagar, Pudukottai – 622 005.

5.The Inspector, Alangudi, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District.

6.The Executive Officer, Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Vadakadu, Vadakadu Post, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District. W.P(MD)No.8363 of 2023 B.PUGALENDHI,oJ. vrn Orderomadeoin W.P(MD)No.8363oofo2023oand WMP(MD)oNo.7705oofo2023

13.04.2023

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 13.04.2023 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI W.P(MD)No.8363 of 2023 and WMP(MD) No.7705 of 2023 M.Sethupathi ...Petitioner Vs. 1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District. 2.The Commissioner, 119, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungampakkam, Chennai – 34. 3.The Joint Commissioner, S.M.Salai, Thanjavur, Thanjavur District. 4.The Assistant Commissioner, 13/1, Lakshmi Nagar, Pudukottai – 622 005. 5.The Inspector, Alangudi, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District. 6.The Executive Officer, Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Vadakadu, Vadakadu Post, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District. ...Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, seeking a direction directing the respondents 1 to 4 to permit the petitioner and members of Adi Dravidar Community people to conduct and take part in Sri Muthumariamman Temple festival, dated 16.04.2023 to 28.04.2023 situated at Vadakadu Post, Vadakadu, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukottai within the time stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Rajasekar For Respondents : Mr.P.Subbu Raj Special Government Pleader