BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 18.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P.CRL.(MD). No.592 of 2026 A.Rengasamy ... Petitioner Vs

1.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Karur District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Velliyanai Police Station, Velliyanai, Karur District. 3.Manivannan

4.V.Mallamanaicker ... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1 and 2nd Respondent herein to grant permissions and adequate police protection to conduct Malai Kumbiduthal Nigalchi (Gathering for Worship) in Arulmigu Sri Jakkammal, Sri Mallaiyan and Sri Mariamman Temple during in the Tamil month of Masi Festival situated at North Mettupatti, Velliyanai Thenpagam Village, Karur District as per the schedule dated 28.02.2026, 01.03.2026, 02.03.2026 and 03.03.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 27.01.2026 and for other reliefs.

For Petitioner : Mr.D.S.Haroon Rasheed For R1 & R2 : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (Criminal Side)

For R3 & R4 : Mr.S.Ramasamy, for Mr.R.Alagusamy

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first and second respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting Malai Kumbiduthal Nigalchi (Gathering for Worship) in Arulmigu Sri Jakkammal, Sri Mallaiyan and Sri Mariamman Temple, during the Tamil month of Masi festival, situated at North Mettupatti, Velliyanai Thenpagam Village, Karur District, based on the petitioner’s representation dated 27.01.2026.

2. It is brought to the notice of this Court that a writ petition was earlier filed by a rival group, namely K.Manivannan, in W.P.(MD).No.

13845 of 2025, and by order dated 03.06.2025, this Court had restrained the parties from conducting any temple festival in view of the existing civil dispute and the apprehended law and order issues. Paragraph No.4 of the said order reads as follows:

“4.Considering the rival submissions, this Court is of the considered opinion that since law and order problem is involved in the present case, based on the resolution passed in the peace committee meeting, the official respondents are directed to restrain the private respondents 5 to 11 and also the petitioner from conducting any temple festival until the disposal of the suit in O.S.No.303 of 2024 on the file of the District Munsif Court, Karur. However, it is made clear that the daily prayers can go on.”

3. When there exists a civil dispute between the rival groups and there is a likelihood of law and order problems, this Court has already restrained the conduct of any temple festival. The present request to conduct Malai Kumbiduthal Nigalchi (Gathering for Worship) is in the nature of a festival and, therefore, the same cannot be permitted. Further, it is submitted that during the said function, devotees would gather in large numbers and bring bullocks and cows to the temple premises. In order to prevent any breach of peace, this Court restrains the conduct of such gathering involving cattle. However, it is made clear that all parties are entitled to enter the temple for the purpose of individual worship. Any person may visit the temple, offer prayers peacefully, and leave the premises without organising any festival or gathering.

4. With the above clarification, this Writ Petition Criminal stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

18.02.2026 (SSYJ)

pal To

1.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Karur District.

2.The Inspector of Police, Velliyanai Police Station, Velliyanai, Karur District.

S.SRIMATHY,J.

pal ORDER IN WP.CRL.(MD) No.592 of 2026 Date: 18.02.2026