BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 13/02/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY K.Muniyandi ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District..

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Dindigul District..

3. The Tahsildar, Natham Taluk Office, Natham, Dindigul District..

4. State of Tamilnadu Rep by Inspector of Police, Natham Police Station, Dindigul.

5. Rasu

6. Suresh (R5 and R6 are Impleaded as Per Order of This Court Dated 29.01.2026)

7.Ponnuchamy

8.Ponnalagu (impleaded vide order dated 13.02.2026) ... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 4^th respondent herein to grant permission and police protection to conduct the Maha Sivarathiri festival on 15.02.2026 of Arulmigu Sree Baalamalaiyandi Swami, Sri Thottichiyamman, Sri Karuppasmay and Sri Sangili Karuppasamy situated at Palamalaiyanpatty, Sendurai Village, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 23.01.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.S. Vadivelan, Advocate For respondents 2 & 3 : Mr.P. Thambidurai Government Advocate For Respondents 1 & 4 : Mr.A.S. Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

For 5th respondent : Mr. R. Paranjothi ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed for issuing a Writ of Mandamus directing the 4th respondent herein to grant permission and provide police protection for conducting the Maha Sivarathiri festival on 15.02.2026 of Arulmigu Sree Baalamalaiyandi Swami, Sri Thottichiyamman, Sri Karuppasamy and Sri Sangili Karuppasamy Temple situated at Palamalaiyanpatty, Sendurai Village, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District, by considering the petitioner’s representation dated

23.01.2026.

2. The petitioner, Muniyandi, is admittedly a worshipper; however, he claims himself to be a Poojari. The allegation of the respondents is that he is creating some problems with regard to celebration of temple festival. However, the petitioner Muniyandi submits that he is not creating any problem. It is stated that there is a dispute between the Samiyadi and the Poojari factions, and in order to resolve the same, he has filed another Writ Petition.

3. The claim of the 6^th respondent, namely Suresh, is that he is the Samiyadi and has been performing the said role regularly. Though there is a rival claim between Suresh and Muniyandi, this Court, without going into the merits of the rival claims, directs that Suresh shall act as Samiyadi and continue to perform the said function for the present festival.

4. Insofar as the Poojariship rights are concerned, two persons, namely Ponnusamy and Ponalazagu, are claiming such rights. Since Maha Sivarathiri is to be celebrated on 15^th and 16^th February 2026, it is directed that Ponazagu group shall celebrate the festival on 15.02.2026 from 6.00 a.m. to 11.59 p.m., and Ponnuchamy group shall celebrate the festival on 16.02.2026 from 12.00 a.m. to 11.59 p.m. There shall not be any distinction or variation in the manner of celebration for this year. This arrangement is made only for this year. A civil suit is stated to be pending, the parties are at liberty to approach the competent Civil Court to resolve their issues in accordance with law. The respondent Police shall provide police protection as per the above arrangement and ensure that the festival and related events are conducted peacefully and without any law and order problem.

5. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of.

13.02.2026 TRP Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Note : Issue on 16.02.2026 TO

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

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer Dindigul District..

3. The Tahsildar, Natham Taluk Office, Natham, Dindigul District..

4. The Inspector of Police, Natham, Police Station, Dindigul.

S.SRIMATHY,J TRP ORDER IN WP CRL.(MD) No.467 of 2026 Date : 13/02/2026