Mandamus enforces legal rights, not customary or hereditary practices.

ORDER

The present petition has been filed seeking a Mandamus directing the respondents 2 and 4 to permit the petitioner to conduct the Sri Muthalamman Temple Festival at Siddhargal Natham village as per the ancient customs and hereditary practices by considering the representation given by the petitioner dated 19.03.2026.

2. As per the averment in the affidavit, the petitioner claims that he is the Headman of the village and he has got right to conduct the temple festival as per the ancient customs and hereditary practices.

3.It is the settled position of law that a mandamus can be issued to enforce the legal right and not to enforce any customary practises or hereditary practices. Therefore, the question of issuing any positive mandamus in favour of the petitioner as against the respondent Nos.2 and 4 to permit him to conduct the village is legally not sustainable. The learned counsel appearing for one Mr.Ramanujam submitted that the said Ramanujam is the 'Oor Aranmanaikarar' and the Election Officer, Nilakkottai Assembly Constituency, has granted permission in his favour to conduct the temple festival by way of proceedings dated 25.03.2026.

4.In view of the above said facts the writ petition stands disposed of with a direction to the authorities to permit the petitioner to offer his prayers. As far as the order dated 25.03.2026 issued by the Election Officer, Nilakkottai Assembly Constituency is concerned, it is left open to the petitioner to challenge the same in a manner known to law if he is so advised. No Costs.