The court affirmed the right to equitable participation in religious events under judicial protection, ensuring public safety amidst disputes.

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI R.Dhanapal ... Petitioner Vs.

1. State of Tamilnadu, Rep by the Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District.

2. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Vedachandur Sub Division, Dindigul District.

3. State of Tamilnadu, Rep by Inspector of Police, Vadamadurai Police Station, Dindigul District.

4.T.Ramasamy S/o.Thondan, S.Paraipatti, Singarakottai Village, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District. ... Respondents (R4 is suo motu impleaded as per order of this Court dated 18.03.2026.)

PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting temple festival and cultural programme at Sri Arulmigu Vinayagar, Sri Kali Amman, Sri Mari Amman, Sri Muniyandi and Sri Karuppanaswamy Temple, S.Paraipatti Village, Vedachandur Taluk, Dindigul District Scheduled on 20.03.2026, 22.03.2026, 23.03.2026 and 24.03.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated

10.03.2026 in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Dr.R.Alagumani For Respondents : Mr.S.Ravi (R1 to R3)

Additional Public Prosecutor Mr.Vignesh (R4)

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting temple festival and cultural programme at Sri Arulmigu Vinayagar, Sri Kali Amman, Sri Mari Amman, Sri Muniyandi and Sri Karuppanaswamy Temple, S.Paraipatti Village, Vedachandur Taluk, Dindigul District, scheduled on 20.03.2026, 22.03.2026, 23.03.2026 and 24.03.2026, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026 in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this Court.

2. When the matter was taken up for hearing, Mr. Vignesh, learned counsel, submitted that he represents Mr. T. Ramasamy, S/o. Thondan, residing at S. Paraipatti, Singarakottai Village, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District, and sought to implead him as a party respondent, as he is one of the villagers who wishes to participate in the temple festival. He further submitted that the only grievance of the proposed fourth respondent is that they should also be permitted to participate in the temple festival.

3. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondent police submitted that already serious disputes are prevailing between the petitioner's group and the 4^th respondent's group.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either sides and carefully perused the materials placed before this Court.

5. In view of the submission made, Mr.T.Ramasamy, S/o.Thondan, S.

Paraipatti, Singarakottai Village, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District, is suo motu impleaded as the fourth respondent in this case. Registry is directed to carry out necessary amendment.

6. Considering the facts and circumstance of this case, the third respondent police is directed to afford necessary police protection for the conduct of the temple festival at Sri Arulmigu Vinayagar, Sri Kali Amman, Sri Mari Amman, Sri Muniyandi and Sri Karuppanaswamy Temple, S.Paraipatti Village, Vedachandur Taluk, Dindigul District, scheduled on 20.03.2026, 22.03.2026, 23.03.2026 and 24.03.2026, on payment of necessary charges in terms of GO.Ms.No.139, Home (Pol-VIII) Department, dated 04.03.2019. It is made clear that neither the petitioner’s faction nor the fourth respondent’s faction shall claim any right of first honour during the conduct of the temple festival, and both factions shall be permitted to participate in all the formalities of the temple festival without any discrimination.

7. With the above direction, this writ p