Court mandates draw of lots for ceremonial temple offering to prevent disputes without conferring special rights.

9.Pandipriya ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent Nos.2,3 and 5 herein to ensure the peaceful conduct of temple festival of Sri Muthalaparameshwari Amman Temple, situated at Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District scheduled on 01.04.2026 by following the practices in existence and consequently forbear the respondent nos.6 to 9 from claiming any special right or honour for bringing Marakkal (Paddy) Box on bahalf of Vasanthapuram Devendra Kula Vellalar Community People by considering the representation dated 20.03.2026 and 23.03.2026 in accordance with law.

For Petitioner : Mr.K.R.Laxman For R1 & R4 : Mr.M.Muthumanikkam Government Advocate(Civil)

For R2,R3 & R5 : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar Government Advocate(Criminal)

For R6 & R7 : Mr.AR.Kannappan

ORDER

Seeking to direct the respondents 2,3 and 5 to ensure the peaceful conduct of temple festival of Sri Muthalaparameshwari Amman Temple, situated at Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District scheduled on 01.04.2026 by following the practices in existence and consequently forbear the respondent nos.6 to 9 from claiming any special right or honour for bringing Marakkal (Paddy) Box on bahalf of Vasanthapuram Devendra Kula Vellalar Community People by considering the representation dated 20.03.2026 and 23.03.2026, this writ petition is filed.

2. The learned counsel for the respondents 6 and 7 categorically contended that he is given with the privilege of bringing Marakkal (Paddy) Box as offering on behalf of Vasanthapuram Devendra Kula Vellalar Community People during the earlier temple festival for the past 2 years. However, the learner counsel for the petitioner submitted that the particular formality is creating law and order problem.

3. The learned Government Advocate(Civil) submitted that already the respondent police has requested the Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi to conduct peace committee and the same is pending.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record.

5. In view of the fact that already the temple festival has commenced and today is the 9^th day of the temple festival and the ceremony of bringing Marakkal (Paddy) Box as offering to the principal deity is to be conducted today evening, this Court is of the considered view that there cannot be any physical or verbal altercation leading to tussle in the temple festival, disturbing the comity of common public. Hence, the petitioner as well as the respondents 6 to 9 are directed to adopt a draw of lots method by including the names from the petitioner group and also the group of respondents 6 to 9 and draw the lots and the selected person would be permitted to carry Marakkal (Paddy) Box as offering to the principal deity. It is made clear that the said ceremony would not amount to any special right or honour. It is a ceremonial practice which is followed from time to time.

6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

01.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No gbg Note: Issue order copy on 01.04.2026.

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