BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT

DATED: 07-01-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY

WP Crl.(MD) NO.64 of 2026

P.Kanagaraj

Petitioner

Vs

1.The Superintendent of Police,

Madurai District.

2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police,

Melur, Madurai District.

3.The Inspector of Police,

B4-Kottampatti Police Station,

Madurai District.

Respondent(s)

For Petitioner: Mr.A.Balakrishnan

For Respondent(s): Mr.S.S.Manoj, Government Advocate (Crl.side)

Prayer:

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 3rd respondent to grant appropriate prior permission to conduct Pongal Vizah which is scheduled to be held on 16.01.2026 at 7.00 am. to 8.00 pm. at Manthai Thidal, Indira Colony, Pallapatti, Melur Taluk,

Madurai District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 18.12.2025.

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of

Mandamus, to direct the 3rd respondent to grant appropriate prior permission to conduct Pongal Vizah which is scheduled to be held on 16.01.2026 at 7.00 am. to 8.00 pm. at Manthai Thidal, Indira Colony, Pallapatti, Melur Taluk, Madurai District

by considering the petitioner's representation dated 18.12.2025.

2.The learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) appearing for the respondents submitted that there are two groups. Therefore, the respondents are apprehending law and order. Mere apprehension cannot be a ground to reject the petitioner's claim.

3.Further, it is seen that the petitioner himself has given an undertaking that he will not discriminate among the communities and anybody can participate in the festival. Moreover, it will be followed by Annadhanam.

4.Since the petitioner has given an undertaking that he will not discriminate among the communities, this Court accepting the same and granting permission to conduct the Pongal Festival without discriminating and by following inclusive policy and include all the parties and conduct Pongal Festival. The respondents shall grant permission for the Pongal Festival which is scheduled to be held on 16.01.2026 at 7.00 am. to 8.00 pm. at Manthai Thidal, Indira Colony, Pallapatti, Melur Taluk, Madurai District.

5.With the above observations, this Writ Petition is allowed. There shall be no order as to costs.

07-01-2026 Tmg Note: Issue order copy on 07.01.2026.

To Madurai District.

Melur, Madurai District.

3.The Inspector of Police, B4-Kottampatti Police Station, Madurai District.

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