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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 30346
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J
Muniyappan – Appellant
Versus
The Superintendent of Police, Karur District – Respondent
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Mr.M.Yesudasan
For the Respondents:Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar Government Advocate (Criminal)
Right to worship is fundamental; permission for limited poojas granted despite law and order concerns, prohibiting first honours.
Headnote:Article 226 of the Constitution of India enables issuance of writ of mandamus for permission to conduct religious activities. Petitioner sought permission for poojas at Sri Bagavathy Amman Alaya on Tamil New Year eve amid concerns of law and order disruption due to 20-year hiatus. Court recognized right of worship as fundamental, permitting poojas from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. without impediments. Key issue: Whether permission for limited poojas could be granted despite potential law and order risks. Court held right to worship is constitutionally guaranteed, distinguishing full festival from restricted poojas, balancing public order by prohibiting claims of first honour. Writ petition disposed of with permission granted for poojas on 14.04.2026 from 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., subject to no claims of first honour.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. prayer for mandamus seeking temple festival permission. (Para 1) |
| 2. opposing views on law order risks vs. limited poojas. (Para 2 , 3) |
| 3. review of record after hearing counsel. (Para 4) |
| 4. fundamental right to worship upheld with restrictions. (Para 5) |
THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Muniyappan ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Superintendent of Police, Karur District.
2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kulithalai Range, Karur District.
3.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep.by The Inspector of Police, Mayanoor Police Station, Karur District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the 3rd respondent to grant permission to conduct temple festival of Sri Bagavathy Amman Alaya Chithira Thiruvizha situated at K.P.Kulam, Renganathapuram Village, Krishnarayapuram, Karur District on 14.04.2026 with his assistance in light of petitioner's representation dated 01.04.2026.
For Petitioner : Mr.M.Yesudasan For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar Government Advocate (Criminal)
ORDER
Seeking to direct the 3rd respondent to grant permission to conduct temple festival of Sri Bagavathy Amman Alaya Chithira Thiruvizha situated at K.P.Kulam, Renganathapuram Village, Krishnarayapuram, Karur District on 14.04.2026 in the light of the petitioner's representation dated 01.04.2026, this writ petition is filed.
2. The learned Government Advocate(Criminal) submitted that for the past 20 years, the said festival was not conducted. According to the instructions, there are possibilities for disruption of law and order in the locality if permission is granted.
3. Per contra, the learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that it is not actually a temple festival, but the petitioner is seeking only permission to conduct poojas at the eve of Tamil New Year from 7.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m.
4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record.
5. The right of worship is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of India and hence, there is no impediment for the petitioner and his village people to perform poojas in a Sri Bagavathy Amman Alaya Chithira Thiruvizha situated at K.P.Kulam, Renganathapuram Village, Krishnarayapuram, Karur District on 14.04.2026 at 7.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m. However, it is made clear that none of the villagers or devotees shall claim any first honour at the eve of Tamil New Year.
