M.Dhanakumar v. The State of Tamilnadu

ORDER This writ petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the 2nd respondent to grant permission to perform the nerthikadan and sacrifice the goats as per the customary practice in Sri Oothadi Karuppanasamy Temple, Ayyanar Temple and Vinayaga Temple in Salaimaraikulam, Kariyapatti Taluk,

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is a devotee and one among the Karaidharar Vagairas of the Sri Oothadi Karuppanasamy Temple, Ayyanar Temple, and Vinayaga Temple situated at Salaimaraikulam, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District. The petitioner is willing to sacrifice two goats as part of his nerthikadan at the said temple, along with 20 persons, and worship the principal deity. However, the same is being obstructed by the fourth respondent and hence, this writ petition has been filed.

¶3The learned counsel for the fourth respondent categorically contended that the question of permitting the petitioner to sacrifice goats does not arise. The devotees may be permitted to perform individual goat sacrifices only after the sacrifice of the common village goat.

¶4The learned Government Advocate, Mr. S.S.Manoj, submitted that a peace committee is pending before the jurisdictional Tahsildar, and the same would be convened after 4th May, 2026.

¶5In this regard, the Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District is suo motu impleaded as the 5th respondent, for whom, Mr.M.Muthumanikkam, learned Government Advocate takes notice. Registry is directed to carry out the necessary amendments.

¶6Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, the 5th respondent is directed to convene the peace committee of the rival factions on

09.05.2026 and hear either sides.

¶7It is also he contention of the petitioner that he has no connection with the rivalry among the various Vagairas concerning the sacrifice of goats or the administration of the temple. He is merely a devotee belonging to one of the Vagairas, who is required to fulfil his nerthikadan. In furtherance of the same, he has reared two goats and is willing to sacrifice them to complete his nerthikadan. Such an act, he submits, should not be hindered on the ground of inter se rivalry among the various Vagaira factions.

¶8In view of the above, the fifth respondent is directed to facilitate and permit the petitioner to sacrifice his two goats on 15.05.2026 at 05.00 p.m., irrespective of the outcome of the peace committee resolutions. The petitioner is permitted to perform his nerthikadan along with 20 persons. The petitioner is also directed to participate in the peace committee meeting.

¶9With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of.

30.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 04.05.2026. TO:-

¶1The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police,

¶2The Inspector of Police, Narikudi Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk,

¶3The Sub-Inspector of Police, A.Mukkulum Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk,

¶4The Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk,

¶5The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Dated

30.04.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 30.04.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI M.Dhana Kumar ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The State of Tamilnadu, Rep by its the Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, 2. The Inspector of Police, Narikudi Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk, 3. The Sub-Inspector of Police, A.Mukkulum Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk, 4. M.Thanaselvam 5. The Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk, ... Respondents (R5 is suo motu impleaded vide order of this Court dated 30.04.2026 in this petition.) PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent to grant permission to perform the nerthikadan and sacrifice the goats as per the customary practice in Sri Oothadi Karuppanasamy Temple, Ayyanar Temple and Vinayaga Temple in Salaimaraikulam, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Bharathi For Respondents : Mr.S.S.Manoj (R1 to R3) Government Advocate (Crl.) Mr.M.Muthumanikkam (R5) Government Advocate (Civil) Mr.A.K.Manickkam (R4)