Right to worship is fundamental; permission for limited poojas granted despite law and order concerns, prohibiting first honours.

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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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.