BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 11.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY R.Sappani @ Kumar ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Madurai Town, Madurai District.

2. The Inspector of Police (Law & Order), Karimedu Police Station, Madurai District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, direct the respondents to provide adequate police protection and bandobust arrangements for the conduct of ''Maha Shivaratri Festival'' at the Arulmigu Angala Parameshwari Sonaiya Temple, Arapalayam, Mela Ponnagram, Madurai Town, Madurai Scheduled to be held on 15.02.2026 on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 03.02.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Ponniah For Respondents : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

O R D E R

This petition has been filed seeking to direct the respondents to grant adequate police protection based on the representation of the petitioner dated

03.02.2026.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is serving as the Poojari and that there is no dispute regarding the performance of worship; the dispute pertains only to the administration of the temple. Therefore, the petitioner seeks police protection to enable him to exercise his duties.

3. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) submitted that there are three groups involved in the dispute, and all parties are claiming the right to perform worship of the deity.

4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court directs the respondents to provide adequate police protection for conducting the “Maha Shivaratri Festival” at Arulmigu Angala Parameshwari Sonaiya Temple, Arapalayam, Mela Ponnagaram, Madurai Town, Madurai, scheduled to be held on 15.02.2026 and this order is only for worshipping alone. The petitioner and the other rival groups are directed to approach the appropriate authority with regard to the Poojari rights.

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

11.02.2026 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes NCC : Yes / No msrm Note: Issue order copy on 12.02.2026 To

1. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Madurai Town, Madurai District.

2. The Inspector of Police (Law & Order), Karimedu Police Station, Madurai District.

3. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai S.SRIMATHY, J msrm Order made in W.P.CRL.(MD)No. 735 of 2026

11.02.2026