Thangavel v. The Commissioner

ORDER Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents 1 to 4 and the learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) for the fifth respondent. Issuance of notice to the sixth respondent is dispensed with.

2.Kumbhabisekam is proposed to be conducted for the petition mentioned temple on 27.10.2025. The original idol was replaced by a new idol by the sixth respondent in the year 1996. The sixth respondent wanted the replaced idol to be reinstalled during Kumbhabisekam. This was opposed by others including the writ petitioner who wanted the original idol to be reinstalled during Kumbhabisekam. The matter went before the State Level Committee. The State Level Committee vide order dated 22.07.2025 directed that the original idol alone should be reinstalled.

3.The petitioner apprehends that the sixth respondent may cause some issues during Kumbhabisekam.

4.Mr.G.Anandakumar, Special Sub Inspect of Police, Lalapettai Police Station, Karur District is present in person and he categorically states that no issues are anticipated. Be that as it may, the jurisdictional police is directed to offer appropriate bundobust so that the event passes off peacefully. I have issued such a direction without issuing to the sixth respondent because the order passed by the State Level Committee has not been challenged and it is very much holding the field.

5.This writ petition is allowed on these terms. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

09.10.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias To:

1.The Commissioner, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 034.

2.The Joint Commissioner, Tiruppur, Tiruppur District.

3.The Assistant Commissioner, Karur, Karur District.

4.The District Collector, Collectorate Office,

5.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police,

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J. ias

09.10.2025

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 09.10.2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P.(MD)No.21790 of 2025 Thangavel ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Commissioner, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai- 600 034. 2.The Joint Commissioner, Tiruppur, Tiruppur District. 3.The Assistant Commissioner, Karur, Karur District. 4.The District Collector, Collectorate Office, 5.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, 6.Pon Selvan ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 3 to ensure the peaceful performance of Kumbhabisekam to Arulmighu Kanaga Thoniamman Temple, Thimmachipuram, Kulithalai Taluk, Karur District and strict adherence to the religious practice of the temple, by placing the old idol of Kanaga Thoniamman with eight hands and as approved by the State Level Expert Committee in its 116th meeting held on 06.08.2025. For Petitioner : Mr.V.R.Shanmuganathan For Respondents : Mr.G.Suriya Ananth, Addl. Government Pleader for R1 to R4. Mr.A.Albert James, Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side) for R5.