JUDGMENT

The petitioner sought for permission for use of loudspeaker in connection with the festival of Udayarkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Arakurissi, Mannarkkad on 28/2/2026, 1/3/2026 and 2/3/2026 from 10.00 pm to 11.00 pm. The same has been rejected by the 4^th respondent, vide Ext.P3.

2. Learned Government Pleader would submit that the 4^th respondent has no jurisdiction to entertain an application for use of loudspeaker. Within the permitted hours, permission has to be granted by the 3^rd respondent; and beyond that, application ought to have been filed before the 1^st respondent.

3. As regards use of loudspeaker, this Court has already laid down the law as per judgment rendered in W.P.(C) No.4822/2026, read with the clarificatory Order dated 12/2/2026. In the circumstances, the entitlement of the petitioner for use of loudspeaker for an additional hour in connection with the temple festival cannot be assailed.

4. In view of the submissions made by learned Government Pleader, the petitioner will stand directed to file necessary application before the 3^rd respondent, and on the strength of the law laid down by this Court, the 3^rd respondent will stand directed to issue necessary permissio