Court directs timely peace committee formation for peaceful temple festivals with police protection.

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 29/04/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI and WPMP CRL.(MD). No.598 of 2026 Shanmugam Pillai ... Petitioner Vs

1. The State of Tamilnadu, Represented by the District Collector, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai. 2. The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Devakottai, Sivagangai District.

4. The Tahsildar, Thirupathur Taluk, Sivagangai District. 5. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Thirupathur, Sivagangai District.

6. The Inspector of Police, Thirupathur Town Police Station, Sivagangai District. ... Respondents PRAYER :-

To Writ of Mandamus directing Respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting Chitra Pournami festival in respect of Arulmighu Velayudhasawamy temple on 01.05.2026 and Mandakapadi Festival at Thiruthalinathar Sivan Temple on 05.05.2026 at Thirupathur, Sivagangai District, by forming an committee with both rival groups and ensure that the festival is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 17.04.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.V. Malaiyendran, Advocate.

For Respondent : Mr.M.Muthumanikkam for R1, R3 and R4 Government Advocate (Civil Side)

Mr.S.S.Manoj Government Advocate (Crl Side)

ORDER

This Writ Petition is filed seeking Writ of Mandamus to direct the Respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting Chitra Pournami festival in respect of Arulmighu Velayudhasawamy temple on 01.05.2026 and Mandakapadi Festival at Thiruthalinathar Sivan Temple on 05.05.2026 at Thirupathur, Sivagangai District, by forming an committee with both rival groups and ensure that the festival is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 17.04.2026.

2. The learned Government Advocate(crl.side) submitted that the conduct of Peace Committee Meeting is still pending.

3. Learned counsel for the fourth respondent submitted that the peace committee meeting would be conducted shortly.

4. Considering the fact that the temple festival is to commence on

01-05-2026, the 3rd and 4th respondents are directed to conclude the peace committee meeting by 30.04.2026 and facilitate the conduct of temple festival.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition stands closed.