Judicial Analysis Court Copy Headnote Facts Arguments Court observation

2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 43641

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Murali Shankar K, J
Krishnan P – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
Writ Petition

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: V. Vishnu
For the Respondents: Sivasubramanian, I. Pinaygash

The High Court may grant a Writ of Mandamus directing police authorities to provide protection for religious events and festivals when such events are sanctioned by the appropriate competent authorities.

Headnote:The petitioner filed a Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a Writ of Mandamus to direct the police authorities to provide protection for conducting a temple festival and religious activities. The Petitioner requested protection for the period from 29.05.2026 to 31.05.2026 following a representation dated 05.05.2026. The Court observed that the relevant religious authority had already granted permission for the conduct of the Annadhanam and that there was no objection to the event. The main issue was whether the Petitioner was entitled to police protection for the peaceful conduct of the festival in light of competing private interests. The Court reasoned that since permission had been granted by the relevant statutory department, it was incumbent upon the police to ensure the event proceeds in an orderly manner, subject to compliance with established departmental circulars and conditions to maintain public peace. The Court disposed of the petition with a direction to the second respondent to grant permission for the festival subject to necessary conditions.

Table of Content
1. court mandate to police to grant permission for festivals when the relevant department has approved the event. (Para 4 , 4 , 5)
2. writ jurisdiction for seeking police protection for religious festivals. (Para 1 , 2 , 3)

4. Rathinasalam, 5. Kuppusamy ... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 2 to provide adequate police protection for conducting the temple festival, erection of sheds, pandals and conducting Annadhanam in Survey No. 894 from 29.05.2026 to 31.05.2026 Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple situated at Venjamankoodalur Keezhbagam Parapputhurai, Aravakurichi Taluk, Karur District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 05.05.2026 and consequently restrain the respondents 4 and 5 from interfering with the peaceful conduct of the festival.

For Petitioner : Mr.V.Vishnu, For Respondents : Mr.Sivasubramanian, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for R1 & R2 : Mr.I.Pinaygash, Government Advocate for R3

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 and 2 to provide adequate police protection for conducting the temple festival, erection of sheds, pandals and conducting Annadhanam in Survey No. 894 from 29.05.2026 to 31.05.2026 Arulmigu Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple situated at Venjamankoodalur Keezhbagam Parapputhurai, Aravakurichi Taluk, Karur District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 05.05.2026 and consequently restrain the respondents 4 and 5 from interfering with the peaceful conduct of the festival.

2. Mr.Sivasubramanian, learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side), takes notice for the respondents 1 and 2 and Mr.I.Pinaygash, Government Advocate, takes notice for the third respondent. By consent, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner would submit that the writ petitioner has submitted a representation, dated 05.05.2026, to the respondents 1 and 2 seeking permission to to provide adequate police protection for conducting the temple festival, from 29.05.2026 to 31.05.2026 and that since no order was passed, the writ petitioner has come before this Court for the above said relief.

4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents would submit that the third respondent has granted permission for conducting Annadhanam and they have no objection for the same. The learned Government Advocate also produced a copy of the letter in Na.Ka.No.126/2021 dated 29.05.2026.

5. In view of the above, the second respondent shall grant permission to conduct the festival by imposing necessary conditions. The writ petitioner shall strictly adhere to the Circular issued by the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu / Head of Police Force, Chennai, in Rc.No.007301/Genl.I(1)/2019, dated 09.04.2019, and comply with all other conditions imposed by the police authorities.

6. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of.

No costs.

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 43641

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASMurali Shankar K, JKrishnan P – AppellantVersusSuperintendent of Police – RespondentWrit Petition

The High Court may grant a Writ of Mandamus directing police authorities to provide protection for religious events and festivals when such events are sanctioned by the appropriate competent authorities.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Murali Shankar K, J
Krishnan P – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
Writ Petition