IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 19.01.2026 CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA S.Kumaresan ...Petitioner Vs.

1. The Superintendent of Police, Erode, Erode District.

2. State rep. by, The Inspector of Police, Aapakkudal Police Station, Aapakkudal, Bhavani Taluk, Erode – 638 501. ...Respondents Writ Petition (Criminal) filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to grant permission and police protection for conducting “Cock Fight” event during Pongal festival day on 10.01.2026 to 13.01.2026 at Paraikaddu, Thottam, Punnam Village, Bhavani Taluk, Erode District.

For Petitioner : Mr.D.Nandhagopal For Respondents : Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan, APP

O R D E R

This writ petition (criminal) has been filed seeking to direct the respondents to grant permission and police protection for conducting “Cock Fight” event during Pongal festival day, which is scheduled from 10.01.2026 to 13.01.2026 at Paraikaddu, Thottam, Punnam Village, Bhavani Taluk, Erode District.

2. Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan, learned Additional Public Prosecutor, takes notice on behalf of the respondents. In view of the consent expressed by the learned counsel on either side, this writ petition (criminal) is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that though the dates for which permission has been sought for conducting cock fight is over, the petitioner may be permitted to conduct the same on any other dates.

4. Per contra, the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondents, submitted that by Circular Memorandum of the Director General of Police, Head of Police Force, Tamil Nadu, in Rc.No.3830-1/ Crime 4(3)/2025, dated 12.09.2025, Cock Fight has been banned in the State of Tamil Nadu. He also produced a copy of the order dated 09.10.2025 passed by this Court in W.P.(MD).No.27950 of 2025, wherein in a similar matter, the writ petition was dismissed observing as follows:

“A writ of mandamus can be issued only to enforce a legal right or a legal duty. The Petitioner has no legal right. On the other hand, the statute expressly prohibits an animal fight event organised by human beings.”

4. At this juncture, the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner may be granted liberty to challenge the above said circular.

5. In view of the above submission made by the learned Additional Public Prosecutor and in the light of the order dated 09.10.2025 passed by this Court in W.P.(MD).No.27950 of 2025, the petitioner has no legal right to conduct Cock Fight which is banned in the State of Tamil Nadu.

6. Accordingly, this writ petition (criminal) stands dismissed. No costs.

19.01.2026 skt Neutral Citation: Yes/No A.D.JAGADISH CHANDIRA , J .

skt To:

1. The Superintendent of Police, Erode, Erode District.

2. The Inspector of Police, Aapakkudal Police Station, Aapakkudal, Bhavani Taluk, Erode – 638 501.

3. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras.

19.01.2026