P.Saravanan v. The District Collector

ORDER This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 2 to 6 to immediately convene a peace committee meeting involving all the concerned parties for conducting the temple festival from 31.07.2026 to

02.08.2026 of Arulmigu Sri Veeranar Temple situated at Poyyanddarkottai North, Thanjavur District, based on the petitioner's representation dated

28.07.2026 within a time frame fixed by this Court.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the temple festival is scheduled to commence tomorrow and is being organised by the private respondents. It was further submitted that the organisers are preventing the petitioner's faction from participating in the temple festival.

¶3Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court. Considering the nature of the order proposed to be passed against the private respondents, notice to them is dispensed with.

¶4Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, it is made clear that the private respondents shall not excommunicate or exclude the petitioner, his faction, or any other villager from participating in the temple festival. It is further made clear that the right of every devotee to worship and to participate in all religious ceremonies and functions connected with the temple festival shall not be interfered with or denied by the Temple Administrative Committee. The fourth respondent is directed to ensure the peaceful participation of the petitioner and his faction in the temple festival.

¶5The petitioner shall submit a fresh representation to the fourth respondent. Upon receipt of the same, the fourth respondent shall issue notice to the petitioner as well as the private respondents, conduct an enquiry, if necessary, and take appropriate steps to ensure that the petitioner and his faction are permitted to participate in the temple festival peacefully, without any obstruction or discrimination, while maintaining law and order.

¶6Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of.

30.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Sm Note: Issue order copy by 30.07.2026. TO:-

¶1The District Collector, Thanjavur District.

¶2The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

¶3The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, O/o.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

¶4The Inspector of Police, Orathanadu Police Station, Thanjavur District.

¶5The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

¶6The Tahsildar, Orathanadu Circle, Thanjavur District.

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

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Dated

30.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 30.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI P.Saravanan ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The District Collector, Thanjavur District. 2. The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur. 3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, O/o.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur. 4. The Inspector of Police, Orathanadu Police Station, Thanjavur District. 5. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur. 6. The Tahsildar, Orathanadu Circle, Thanjavur District. 7. Palanivel 8. Mathiyalagan 9. Jayashankar 10. Ramesh 11. Rajesh ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 2 to 6 to immediately convene a peace committee meeting involving all the concerned parties for conducting the temple festival from 31.07.2026 to 02.08.2026 of Arulmigu Sri Veeranar Temple situated at Poyyanddarkottai North, Thanjavur District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 28.07.2026 within a time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Arun Kumar For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy (R2 to R4) Government Advocate (Crl.) Ms.M.R.Priyanka Jothi (R1, R5 & R6) Government Advocate (Civil)