Mathan v. The District Collector,

ORDER This Writ Petition is filed seeking to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 3rd respondent to provide adequate police protection for the Aadi Pongal festival which has been scheduled on 17.07.2026 based on the petitioners representation dated.18.06.2026.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that he is the hereditary trustee of Arulmigu Sri Ayyanar Thirukovil, Paraipatti, Kodangipatti Post, Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District. He had obtained the permission from the Lord Ayyanar for conducting Aadi Pongal festival in the temple, which is scheduled to be held on 17.07.2026. In this regard, a representation has been sent on 18.06.2026, which is not considered.

¶3The learned Government Advocate, drew my attention to the representation made by the petitioner and pointed out that he has sought permission to organize the Aadi Pongal Festival from 4.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m., and such an exercise if permitted, would create law and order problem, because earlier, while organizing Thai Pongal in the same Temple issues had erupted. Thereafter, the petitioner had filed writ petitions before this Court in W.P.Crl.(M.D) Nos.113 and 136 of 2026 before this court, for conducting Thai Pongal, which was duly permitted by this Court. Even thereafter, the respondent police restrained the petitioner from conducting Pongal, pursuant to which the petitioner had filed a contempt petition in Cont.P(MD)No.362 of 2026, in which this Court had made it clear that the petitioner faction should organize Pongal only in the morning. In view of the same, the respondent police would find it difficult to permit the petitioner to conduct the Aadi Pongal from

04.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., anticipating law and order problem.

¶4Heard either sides and carefully perused the materials available on record.

¶5In view of the above submissions, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petitioner may be permitted to conduct Aadi Pongal festival as scheduled on 17/7/2026, however, in terms of the earlier order passed by this Court. It is made clear that the petitioner shall conduct Thai Pongal festival, Aadi Pongal festival, and Purattasi Pongal festival from time to time every year in the capacity of hereditary trustee as pointed out by the Hon'ble Divison Bench of this Court by order dated

01.10.2024 made in Cont.P(MD)No.2100 of 2024, however, the petitioner should organise the pongal festival from 06.00 a.m., to 01.00 p.m., within the temple premises.

¶6With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of.

09.07.2026 NCC : yes / no Index : yes / no Note : Issue order copy on 13.07.2026. pnn To

¶1The Superintendent of Police, District Police Headquarters, Madurai.

¶2The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Samayanallur Range, Madurai.

¶3The Inspector of Police, Paalamedu Police Station, Paalamedu, Madurai.

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

oooL.oVICTORIAoGOWRI,oJ. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooopnn oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooORDER oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooIN oooooooooooooooooooooooooWPoCRL.(MD)oNo.3773oofo2026 ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooDateoo:o09/07/2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 09/07/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI P.Alagappan Poosari ... Petitioner Vs 1. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep, By the Superintendent of Police, District Police Headquarters, Madurai. 2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Samayanallur Range, Madurai. 3. The Inspector of Police, Paalamedu Police Station, Paalamedu, Madurai. ... Respondents PRAYER :- To issue a Writ of Mandamus to Directing the 3rd respondent to provide adequate police protection for the Aadi Pongal which has been scheduled on 17.07.2026 based on the petitioners representation dated. 18.06.2026. For Petitioner : Mr. S.Ramanathan, Advocate. For Respondent : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy Government Advocate (Crl.Side)