Authorities must consider representations, hear factions, permit joint/separate temple festivals, provide police protection.

ORDER

W.M.P.Crl.(MD)No.408 of 2026 filed seeking to file a single Writ Petition is ordered.

2. This writ petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the respondents 4 to 7 to give permission and police protection for the performance of the temple festival of Arulmigu Marriyamman located at Poyyamani Village, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District from 29.03.2026 to 10.04.2026 based on the petitioners' representations dated 05.03.2026, 06.03.2026 and 07.03.2026.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that this writ petition has become infructuous, since the proposed date of conducting festival has already elapsed.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioners submitted that a fresh representation was submitted on 28.03.2026 seeking rescheduling of the temple festival from 26.04.2026 to 08.05.2026, and the same has not been considered.

5. The learned Government Advocate, Mr. M. Muthumanikkam, appearing for respondents 1, 3, 4 & 6, submitted that a peace committee meeting was already convened on 12.05.2025, wherein both factions sought permission to conduct the festival on different dates. However, no consensus was arrived at between the parties to conduct the temple festival jointly. He further submitted that the directions of this Court will be duly complied with.

6. Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record. Since no adverse order is proposed to be passed against the respondents 9 and 10, notice to them is dispensed with.

7. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, respondents 4 and 6 are directed to consider the petitioners' fresh representation dated 28.03.2026 and thereafter afford an opportunity of hearing to both the petitioners' faction and the rival faction, and to facilitate the conduct of the temple festival by both parties jointly. If the rival factions are not amenable to conducting the festival together, the respective factions may be permitted to conduct the temple festival separately, in accordance with the respective dates proposed by them. The 7threspondent police is also directed to provide necessary police protection on payment of requisite charges, in terms of G.O. Ms. No. 139, Home (Pol-VIII) Department, dated 04.03.2019.

8. With the above directions, this writ petition stands disposed of.

16.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Sm Note: Issue order copy on 20.04.2026.

TO:-