Rasu @ Muthukrishnan v. The Superintendent of Police

ORDER This writ petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 conduct temple festival commencing with Samisattuthal on

19.07.2026, followed by the remaining festival events scheduled to be held from 26.07.2026 to 28.07.2026 in Sree Kalliyamman Kovil, Sri Mariamman and Vinayagar Temple situated at Valuvar Nagar, Nagayakottai, Gugiliyamparai Taluk, Dindigul District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 07.07.2026.

¶2When the matter came up for hearing, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner as well as the learned counsel appearing for the fourth respondent raised serious objections with regard to the dates proposed by the rival party for conducting the Samisattuthal ceremony and the consequential temple festival.

¶3The learned Government Advocate appearing for the second respondent submitted that the temple has remained closed owing to the failure of the peace committee meetings convened to resolve the dispute between the rival factions. It was further submitted that the temple has been taken over under the administration of the HR&CE Department since the year 2022.

¶4Heard the learned counsel on either sides and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court.

¶5Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the second respondent is directed to convene peace committee meeting afresh by issuing notice to the petitioner as well as the fourth respondent and the members of their respective factions, and by affording them a reasonable opportunity of hearing, for the purpose of constituting a committee from among both the factions to conduct the temple festival commencing the Samisattuthal ceremony on 28.07.2026 and the temple festival from 02.08.2026 to 04.08.2026.

¶6If, during the course of the peace committee meeting, a consensus is arrived at and a representative committee is duly constituted to conduct the temple festival jointly, the third respondent police shall extend necessary police protection for the conduct of the festival in accordance with the decisions taken in the peace committee. However, if no consensus is reached regarding the constitution of such a committee or the conduct of the temple festival, the temple shall continue to remain closed until an amicable resolution is arrived at in accordance with law.

¶7With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of.

22.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Sm Note : Issue order copy on 24.07.2026. TO:-

1.The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

¶2The Thsildar, Gugiliyamparai Taluk, Dindigul District.

¶3The Inspector of Police, Erioyodu Police Station, Dindigul District.

¶4The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul District.

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

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Dated

22.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 22.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Rasu @ Muthukrishnan ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District, Dindigul. 2. The Thsildar, Gugiliyamparai Taluk, Dindigul District. 3. The Inspector of Police, Erioyodu Police Station, Dindigul District. 4. Challaiah 5. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul District. ... Respondents (R5 is Suo Motu Impleaded Vide order dated 20.07.2026 in this petition.) PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 conduct temple festival starts from 19.07.2026 (Samisattuthal) and the temple which has been commenced from 26.07.2026 to 28.07.2026, "Sree Kalliyamman Kovil, Sri Mariamman and Vinayagar Temple" is situated at Valuvar Nagar, Nagayakottai, Gugiliyamparai Taluk, Dindigul District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 07.07.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Gokulraj For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy (R1 & R3) Government Advocate (Crl.side) Ms.M.R.Priyanka Jothi (R2 & R5) Government Advocate (Civil) Mr.M.Gnanagurunathan (R4)