Judicial Analysis Court Copy Headnote Facts Arguments Court observation

2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41710

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
R. Vijayakumar, J
Krishnamoorthy – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
W.P.Crl.(MD)No.2806 of 2026

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: M. Prabu
For the Respondents: S.S. Manoj, A. Rajaram

The Court may grant permission for religious festivals despite pending rival claims by allowing participation for prayer purposes while relegating the determination of ultimate control to independent civil proceedings.

Headnote:The petitioner sought a Writ of Mandamus to direct the authorities to grant permission and police protection for conducting a temple festival at a specific location, citing a representation made to the authorities. The court noted that a rival claim had been raised by another party, creating potential law and order concerns. The central issue was whether, given the existence of rival claims regarding the right to conduct the festival, permission could be granted while balancing competing interests. The court observed that since the parties consented to the participation of the rival group for prayer purposes, and that broader rights were reserved for separate litigation, the festival could proceed under police protection to maintain order. The petition was disposed of with the direction that the authorities grant permission and protection, while noting that the rival party is entitled to participate for the purpose of offering prayers.

Table of Content
1. court intervention to resolve local disputes regarding festival conduct by balancing participation rights and police protection requirements. (Para 1 , 2 , 4 , 5)

ORDER

The present petition has been filed seeking a Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and provide necessary police protection to conduct the temple festival in Arulmigu Sri Nadukkattu Ayyanar and Sri Vadakkuva Selliamman Temple situated at T.Duraisamypuram, Ottapidaram Taluk, Thoothukudi District, between 25.05.2026 and 28.05.2026, based upon the petitioner's representation dated 15.05.2026..

2.The learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) appearing for the respondents submitted that a rival claim for conducting the temple festival has been made by one Mr.Mani Perumal and therefore, considering the law and order issue, so far, the respondent police have not granted any permission. 3.The said Mani Perumal had appeared through his counsel, namely, Mr.A.Rajaram and on instructions, he submits that the issue relating to the right to conduct the temple festival could be decided in a separate proceeding. He further submits that the said Mani Perumal and his family members may be permitted to participate in the temple festival and offer his prayers to the deity.

4.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, on instructions, submits that the petitioner does not have any objection for permitting the said Mani Perumal and his family members to participate in the temple festival and to offer prayers.

5.In view of the above said facts, the second respondent is directed to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conduct of the temple festival on the aforesaid dates. It is made clear that the said Mani Perumal and his family members could only be entitled to participate in the temple festival for the purpose of offering their prayers. Their other rights could be decided in an independent proceeding.

6.The Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid observations.

No costs.

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41710

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASR. Vijayakumar, JKrishnamoorthy – AppellantVersusSuperintendent of Police – RespondentW.P.Crl.(MD)No.2806 of 2026

The Court may grant permission for religious festivals despite pending rival claims by allowing participation for prayer purposes while relegating the determination of ultimate control to independent civil proceedings.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
R. Vijayakumar, J
Krishnamoorthy – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
W.P.Crl.(MD)No.2806 of 2026