BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :16.03.2026 CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P.(MD) No.5949 of 2026 Adaikka Gounder ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Pudukkottai District.

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

3. The Tahsildar, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

4. The Executing Officer, Pattathalachi Amman Temple, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

5. The Inspector of Police, Viralimalai Police Station, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

6. Ramalinga Gounder

7. Jayaraman

8. Palanichamy ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 4 to allow the petitioner and his clan separately to conduct the Panguni temple festival of Arulmigu Pattathalachiamman Temple at Poyyamani Seethapatti, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District on 23.03.2026 and 24.03.2026, by considering the petitioner’s representations dated 05.03.2026 and 11.03.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr. S.Parthiban For R1 to R3 : Mr.J.K.Jayaseelan Government Advocate For R4 : Mr.G.Mathavan For R5 : Mr.K.Gnanasekaran Government Advocate (Crl.Side)

For R6 : Mr.V.Karthikeyan

O R D E R

The writ petition is filed for a direction to allow the petitioner and his clan separately to conduct the Panguni Temple festival of Arulmigu Pattathalachiamman Temple at Poyyamani Seethapatti, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District, on 23.03.2026 and 24.03.2026, by considering the petitioner’s representations dated 05.03.2026 and 11.03.2026.

2. Upon hearing the learned Counsel of the petitioner, it can be seen from the prayer that the petitioner wants to separately conduct the Panguni Temple Festival. The festival falls today and tomorrow, i.e., 16.03.2026 and 17.03.2026. It is stated that the same is being conducted as per the decision of this Court made with reference to the claim made last year in W.P.(MD) No.9426 of 2025 and by following the direction not to give first preference to anybody.

3. It is also submitted that the festival is being performed and the petitioner or his clan will not be prohibited in any manner from participating in the festival. This apart, if the petitioner claims any customary right to conduct the festival on his own, it is will be open for him to approach the jurisdictional Joint Commissioner under Section 63 of the TNHR&CE Act, 1959.

4. In view of the same, such an application, if any, shall be filed by the petitioner within two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of this order. As and when such application is filed, in the said application, notice shall be given to the petitioner as well as the contesting respondents and any other person interested in the Temple and the matter with reference to the customary practices shall be decided by the Joint Commissioner in accordance with law within a period of five (5) months therefrom.

5. It is made clear that at the verge of starting the festival, no further writ petition will be entertained for the next year. It is for the petitioner or any other party to approach the Joint Commissioner at the earliest immediately to establish their own rights and thereafter, the rights of the parties will only be governed by the decision of the Joint Commissioner made as per Section 63 of the TNHR&C Act, 1959. 6. With the above observations, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

NCC : Yes/No 16.03.2026 apd To

1. The District Collector, Pudukkottai District.

2. The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

3. The Tahsildar, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Viralimalai Police Station, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY .,J .

apd ORDER MADE IN

16.03.2026