Back
2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 29948
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
R.VIJAYAKUMAR, J
Saravanan – Appellant
Versus
District Collector, Pudukottai District – Respondent
WP CRL.(MD) No.1780 of 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Mr.B.Mahendrarajan
For the Respondents:Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate, Mr.R.Meenakshi Sundaram Additional Public Prosecutor
Mandamus not issuable when request rejected by competent authority; liberty to challenge rejection order.
Headnote:Article 226 of the Constitution of India permits issuance of writ of mandamus for police protection to conduct traditional festival events. Petitioner sought police protection for Vada Madu Manju virattu during Sri Muthumariyamman Temple festival at Oonamkudi Village on 31.03.2026, following representation dated 13.03.2026. Court found request rejected by returning officer on 26.03.2026 due to election arrangements, precluding mandamus at this stage. Issue framed as whether mandamus can direct police protection despite prior rejection. Court observed that challenge to rejection order dated 26.03.2026 remains open to petitioner. Writ petition stands disposed of with liberty to challenge rejection order, no costs.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. petition seeks mandamus for police protection; request rejected for elections. (Para 1 , 2) |
| 2. no mandamus; liberty to challenge rejection order. (Para 3 , 4) |
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 30.03.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR Saravanan .. Petitioner - Vs. -
1.District Collector, Pudukottai District.
2.Revenue Divisional Officer, Pudukottai Division, Ramanathapuram District.
3.The Tahsildar, Thirumayam Taluka, Ramanathapuram District.
4.The Superintendent of Police, Pudukottai District.
5.The State of Tamilnadu Represented by, The Inspector of Police, Ariyamalam Police Station. .. Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 4 and 5 to provide adequate police protection to conduct the Vada Madu Manju virattu in connection with in the festival of Sri Muthumariyamman Temple festival at Oonamkudi Village, Thirumayam Taluka, Pudukottai District scheduled to be held on 31.03.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 13.03.2026.
For Petitioner : Mr.B.Mahendrarajan For R1 to R3 : Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate For R4 & R5 : Mr.R.Meenakshi Sundaram Additional Public Prosecutor
ORDER
The present petition has been filed seeking a Mandamus directing the respondents 4 and 5 to provide adequate police protection to conduct the Vada Madu Manju virattu in connection with in the festival of Sri Muthumariyamman Temple festival at Oonamkudi Village, Thirumayam Taluka, Pudukottai District scheduled to be held on 31.03.2026 by considering the petitioner's representation dated 13.03.2026.
2. Seeking permission for the above said function, a representation has been given on
13.03.2026. The said request has been rejected by the returning officer of the Thirumayam Assembly Constituency on 26.03.2026 citing the election arrangements.
3.In view of the said fact, the question of issuing any positive mandamus in favour of the petitioner at this stage cannot arise and it is open to the petitioner to challenge the order dated
26.03.2026, if he is so advised.
4. With this observation, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No Costs.
