K.Palanivelu v. The District Collector, Ramanathapuram District

ORDER Seeking to direct the respondents 1 to 5 strictly implement the Peace Committee Resolution dated 25.07.2025 passed by the 3rd respondent in respect of Sri Valavanthan Amman Temple, Pandamangalam village, Devipattinam, Ramanathapuram District, by permitting all the communities, namely Yadava, Agamudaiyar and Devendrakula Velalar, to jointly participate in the temple worship and the Mulaipari festival scheduled to be held on

29.07.2026 without any discrimination and by restraining any individual or community from claiming or exercising exclusive rights over the conduct of the temple festival, this writ petition is filed.

¶2Since no adverse order is passed against the private respondent, notice to the private respondents is dispensed with.

¶3The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that already a peace committee was conducted on 25.07.2025 with respect to Sri Valavanthan Amman Temple situated at Pandamangalam village, Devipattinam, Ramanathapuram District for the peaceful conduct of the temple festival facilitating the participation of all community people more particularly Yadava, Agamudaiyar and Devendrakula Velalar communities. However, now the Yadava community people are excluding the Agamudaiyar and Devendrakula Velalar community people from participating in the temple festival in terms of the peace committee resolution dated 25.07.2025.

¶4The learned Government Advocate (Civil) submitted that the temple is situated exclusively in a patta land purchased by the Yadava community people, and the temple itself was constructed by the Yadava community people. However, at the bill of the Yadava community people, the other community people were also permitted to participate in the temple festivals. However, they cannot claim any right of administration over the said temple. She also pointed out that on 23.07.2026 peace committee was conducted, in which, the Yadava community people have objected the receipt of temple tax from the people other than Yadava community people. In this regard, the other community people were already directed by the jurisdictional Tahsildar to approach the competent Civil Court.

¶5Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record.

¶6When the matter has already been dealt with by the jurisdictional Tahsildar and proper solution has not been arrived at, it is seen that the respective parties were directed to approach the appropriate Civil Court for establishing the right with respect to the receipt of temple tax. Without interfering with the same, this Court hereby directs the temple administrative Committee to permit the people belonging to all the community, including Yadava, Agamudaiyar and Devendrakula Velalar and even other communities whoever is living in the said village to worship, to participate in the Mulaipari festival and in the Pongal. As far as the payment of temple tax is concerned, as directed by the Tahsildar, the respective parties are directed to approach the competent Civil Court.

¶7With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

28.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No gbg Note : Issue order copy on 28.07.2026. TO:-

1.The District Collector, District Collectorate, Ramanathauram District.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer Revenue Divisional Office.

3.The Tahsildar, Tahsildar Office, Ramanathapuram Taluk,

4.The Superintendent of Police, District Police office,

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. gbg

5.The Inspector of Police, Devipattinam Police Station,

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

28.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI and W.M.P.Crl.(MD)No.1016 of 2026 K.Palanivelu ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The District Collector, District Collectorate, Ramanathauram District. 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer Revenue Divisional Office. 3.The Tahsildar, Tahsildar Office, Ramanathapuram Taluk, 4.The Superintendent of Police, District Police office, 5.The Inspector of Police, Devipattinam Police Station, 6.K.S.Mathavan ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 5 strictly implement the Peace Committee Resolution dated 25.07.2025 passed by the 3rd respondent in respect of Sri Valavanthan Amman Temple, Pandamangalam village, by permitting all the communities, namely Yadava, Agamudaiyar and Devendrakula Velalar, to jointly participate in the temple worship and the Mulaipari festival scheduled to be held on 29.07.2026 without any discrimination and by restraining any individual or community from claiming or exercising exclusive rights over the conduct of the temple festival. For Petitioner : M/s.M.P.Roniga For R1 - R3 : M/s.M.R.Priyanka Jothi Government Advocate (Civil) For R4 & R5 : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy Government Advocate (Crl.)