Dharmaraj v. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep By, the District Collector

ORDER This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 1 to 5 to permit for conducting Mulaippari Temple Festival Programme scheduled to be held on 24.07.2026 to 31.07.2026 in Arulmigu Sri Ponmuiyandi Kovil @ Arulmigu Sri Soundaranayaki Amman Temple situated at Pulaverseri, Thiruppachethi, Thanjakkur, Manamadurai, Sivagangai District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 24.06.2026.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the sixth respondent is restraining the petitioner from peacefully conducting the aforesaid temple festival.

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the sixth respondent submitted that the sixth respondent has never, at any point of time, obstructed or interfered with the petitioner in organising the temple festival. It was further submitted that the very same petitioner had earlier filed W.P.(MD) No.22565 of 2022 before this Court, and by order dated 11.10.2022, this Court permitted the conduct of the temple festival, subject to certain conditions. One of the specific directions issued by this Court was that the jurisdictional Tahsildar shall supervise the conduct of the temple festival. The learned counsel further submitted that the sixth respondent would extend full cooperation to the petitioner for conducting the temple festival strictly in accordance with the directions issued by this Court in W.P.(MD) No.22565 of 2022.

¶4The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner fairly conceded the aforesaid position and submitted that the petitioner is willing to conduct the temple festival strictly in accordance with the directions and conditions stipulated by this Court in its order dated 11.10.2022 passed in W.P.(MD) No. 22565 of 2022.

¶5The learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents 1 to 3 submitted that the third respondent is fully aware of the earlier order passed by this Court in W.P.(MD) No.22565 of 2022 and would take all necessary steps to facilitate both the petitioner and the sixth respondent in conducting the temple festival strictly in accordance with the directions and conditions contained in the said order.

¶6Heard the learned counsel on either sides and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court.

¶7In view of the rival submissions and the consensus arrived at by the parties, it is made clear that the petitioner shall organise the temple festival strictly in accordance with the directions and conditions stipulated by this Court in its order dated 11.10.2022 passed in W.P.(MD) No.22565 of 2022. The sixth respondent shall extend his fullest cooperation to ensure the peaceful conduct of the temple festival. The third respondent shall monitor, supervise, and facilitate the conduct of the temple festival and ensure that it is held peacefully and in compliance with the aforesaid order. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of.

¶8It is made clear that the petitioner has also undertaken to submit, upon the conclusion of the temple festival, a detailed statement of accounts before the third respondent, setting out the donations and contributions received as well as the expenditure incurred towards the conduct of the temple festival, for verification and appropriate record.

17.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Sm Note: Issue order copy on 21.07.2026.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm TO:-

¶1The District Collector, O/o. the Collectorate Building, Sivaganagai District.

¶2The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o. the Collectorate Building, Sivaganagai District.

¶3The Tahsildar, O/o. the Tahsildar, Manamadurai, Sivaganagai District.

¶4The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, O/o. the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Manamadurai, Sivaganagai District.

¶5The Inspector of Police, Palayanur Police Station, Sivagangai District.

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

17.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Dharmaraj ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The District Collector, O/o. the Collectorate Building, Sivaganagai District. 2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o. the Collectorate Building, Sivaganagai District. 3. The Tahsildar, O/o. the Tahsildar, Manamadurai, Sivaganagai District. 4. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, O/o. the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Manamadurai, Sivaganagai District. 5. The Inspector of Police, Palayanur Police Station, Sivagangai District. 6. Nageshwaran ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents Nos.1 to 5 to permit for conducting Mulaippari Temple Festival Programme scheduled to be held on 24.07.2026 to 31.07.2026 in Arulmigu Sri Ponmuiyandi Kovil @ Arulmigu Sri Soundaranayaki Amman Temple situated at Pulaverseri, Thiruppachethi, Thanjakkur, Manamadurai, Sivagangai District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 24.06.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.D.S.Haroon Rasheed For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy (R4 & R5) Government Advocate (Crl.) Ms.M.R.Priyanka Jothi (R1 to R3) Government Advocate Mr.C.Godwin (R6)