JUDGMENT :

G.R. SWAMINATHAN, J.

Prayer: Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents No. 2 and 3 to grant permission to conduct Maha Shivaratri festival for two days i.e. 07.03.2024 and 08.03.2024 to the temple namely Arulmigu Arumuga Perumal, Sri Sappani Muthiah Kovil to the petitioner by considering the petitioner's representation dated 04.03.2024.

1. Heard both sides.

2. The case on hand pertains to celebration of Maha Shivaratri festival for this year alone (2024). I make it clear that this order will not have any bearing on the rights of the parties or regarding conduct of the festival in future years.

3. There is a serious dispute between the petitioner's community (Illathu Pillaimar community) and (Devendrakula Vellalar community) represented by the private respondents. The fifth respondent herein as well as the others were present in Koomapatti police station premises and presented their case though Whatsapp video call.

4. The petitioner's case is that the temple was constructed by Illathu Pillaimar community and that they had also filed representative suit in O.S. No. 154 of 2022 on the file of the Pri