Velraj v. The District Collector

ORDER This petition has been filed seeing for a direction to the respondents to give adequate police protection to the temple festival scheduled to be held from

23.04.2026 to 25.04.2026 (Chithirai Month 10th to 12th day) at Kattayanoor Sri.Muniyaraja Temple, Kattayanoor, Edayanvilai, Thoothukudi District based on the petitioner's representation dated 16.04.2026.

¶2The learned Government Advocate, Mr. Muthumanikkam, appearing for respondents 1, 3, and 4, submitted that, with regard to the aforesaid issue, a peace committee meeting has already been conducted by the fourth respondent between the petitioner faction and the 6th respondent faction, and the dispute has been resolved. Pursuant to the same, the fourth respondent issued proceedings in Na.Ka.No.Aa2/111/2026, dated 20.04.2026, wherein it has been agreed by both parties that the petitioner faction would administer and conduct the temple festival on 24.04.2026, and the 6th respondent faction would cooperate with the same. In the event of any dispute arising in the conduct of the temple festival between the parties, they are at liberty to approach the appropriate civil court for necessary action.

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the sixth respondent submitted that, challenging the order passed by the fourth respondent in Na.Ka.No.Aa2/111/2026, dated 20.04.2026, the sixth respondent has filed a writ petition in WP(MD) No. SR22950 of 2026, and the same is yet to be numbered. He further submitted that the fourth respondent cannot, in any manner, decide in favour of the petitioner by declaring that he has the right to conduct the temple festival on 24.04.2026 and thereafter direct the parties to approach the civil court in case of any dispute between them. He contended that, since no concrete solution was arrived at in the peace committee meeting conducted between the petitioner faction and the sixth respondent faction, the order passed by the fourth respondent is liable to be set aside, and consequently, the sixth respondent may be permitted to conduct the temple festival.

¶4In reply, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that it is the petitioner group that has been continuously administering the temple and conducting the temple festival from time to time. He further submitted that, even this year, all necessary arrangements have already been made, and the petitioner is prepared to incur expenses and conduct the temple festival. The sixth respondent faction is at liberty to participate in the festival and worship the deity.

¶5Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court.

¶6As far as the question of the right of administration of the temple is concerned, as directed by the fourth respondent, the parties are at liberty to approach the competent civil court. As regards the conduct of the temple festival for this year, which is scheduled to be held on 24.04.2026, the sixth respondent faction may participate in the temple festival and cooperate with the petitioner in conducting the same.

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

21.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 22.04.2026. TO:-

¶1The District Collector, Thoothukudi, Thoothukudi District.

¶2The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi, Thoothukudi District.

¶3The Revenue Divisional Officer, Tiruchendur Circle, Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District.

¶4The Tahsildar, Eral Taluk, Thoothukudi District.

¶5The Inspector of Police, Nazareth Police Station, Thoothukudi District.

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

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Dated

21.04.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 21.04.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Velraj ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The District Collector, Thoothukudi, Thoothukudi District. 2. The Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi, Thoothukudi District. 3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Tiruchendur Circle, Thiruchendur, Thoothukudi District. 4. The Tahsildar, Eral Taluk, Thoothukudi District. 5. The Inspector of Police, Nazareth Police Station, Thoothukudi District. 6. P.Ragu ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to give adequate police protection to Temple festival to be scheduled on 23.04.2026 to 25.04.2026 (Chithirai Month 10th to 12th day) at Kattayanoor Sri.Muniyaraja Temple, Kattayanoor, Edayanvilai, Thoothukudi District based on the petitioner's representation dated 16.04.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.A.Joseph Jerry For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar (R2 & R5) Government Advocate (Crl.) Mr.M.Muthumanikkam (R1, R3 & R4) Government Advocate (Civil) Mr.David Ganesan (R6)