Writ jurisdiction unavailable to resolve temple festival disputes between private groups; civil proceedings required.

[Judgment of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.)

Challenging the order passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(MD)No.8882 of 2024, dated 17.02.2026, whereby the writ petition was disposed of by granting liberty to all groups to form a committee and conduct the festival, respondents 6 and 7, as appellants, have preferred the present Writ Appeal.

2.The writ petition was filed seeking constitution of a committee comprising members from the Revenue Department, Police Department, and HR & CE Department, to regulate and ensure the peaceful conduct of time-bound poojas, maintenance, and festivals of Arulmigu Sri Kaliyamman Temple.

3.There exists a dispute between two groups in the village with regard to the conduct of the festival.

4.The learned Single Judge, taking into consideration the above circumstances, disposed of the writ petition by observing that all groups may come together to form a committee and conduct the festival peacefully, and granted liberty to that effect. Police protection was also directed to be provided. Challenging the said order, respondents 6 and 7 have filed the present Writ Appeal.

5.Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

6.It is an admitted fact that there exists a dispute between the parties with regard to the conduct of poojas and festival. If both groups are not willing to jointly form a committee and conduct the festival peacefully, it is open to them to establish their respective rights by filing appropriate civil proceedings in the manner known to law. As a matter of right, they cannot seek such relief in a writ petition. Therefore, we do not find any merit in the present Writ Appeal. Insofar as maintenance of law and order is concerned, it is open to the police authorities to take necessary action in accordance with law.