R.Dhanapathi v. The Revenue Divisional Officer

O R D E R This writ petition has been filed seeking for issuance of a writ of mandamus to direct the respondents 1 to 4 to grant permission to conduct the Sri Muthalamman Temple Festival located in South Street as per the Meliruppu Village People, Panrutti Taluk, Cuddalore District without any law and order problem by providing adequate police protection.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that due to the objections raised by the rival party – fifth respondent herein, the village people of Meliruppu, Panrutti Taluk, Cuddalore District, are unable to Pg.Nos.2/5 conduct the festival of Sri Muthalamman Temple. Hence, the present petition has been filed by the petitioner seeking adequate police protection to conduct the festival.

¶3When the matter was taken up for hearing on 04.06.2025, this Court directed the petitioner and the fifth respondent to appear in person on

10.06.2025. As per directions of this Court dated 04.06.2025, both the petitioner and the fifth respondent have appeared before this Court today.

¶4According to the petitioner and the fifth respondent, there is a convention and practice regarding the performance of the said Temple festival. After 1950, when the Constitution of India came into force, all are equal before law and also in the same way every one has got right to worship the public Temple. Whatever the convention adopted earlier prior to the Constitution, the same manner may not be adopted. After Constitution of India came into force, if that convention gives any priority to any particular group or persons, no discrimination is permitted. Pg.Nos.3/5

¶5However, both the petitioner and fifth respondent, who appeared in person before this Court have given a consent that they have no objection to conduct the Temple festival without any priority and discrimination.

¶6Recording the aforesaid undertaking, the Writ Petition stands closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

10.06.2025 Index : Yes/No Speaking Order : Yes/No ms To

¶1The Revenue Divisional Officer, Revenue Division Office, Panruti, Cuddalore District – 607 001.

¶2The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Panruti, Cuddalore District – 607 106.

¶3The Superintendent of Police, Manjakkuppam, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District – 607 001.

¶4The Inspector of Police, Kadampuliyur Police Station, Cuddalore District – 607 103.

¶5The Public Prosecutor,

High Court, Madras. Pg.Nos.4/5 P.VELMURUGAN, J ms

10.06.2025

Pg.Nos.5/5

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 10.06.2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.VELMURUGAN R.Dhanapathi ... Petitioner versus 1. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Revenue Division Office, Panruti, Cuddalore District – 607 001. 2. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Panruti, Cuddalore District – 607 106. 3. The Superintendent of Police, Manjakkuppam, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District – 607 001. 4. The Inspector of Police, Kadampuliyur Police Station, Cuddalore District – 607 103. 5. Babu ... Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 4 to grant Pg.Nos.1/5 permission to conduct the Sri Muthalamman Temple Festival located in South Street as per the Meliruppu Village People, Panrutti Taluk, Cuddalore District without any law and order problem by providing adequate police protection. For Petitioner : Mr.C.Kanagaraju For Respondents : Dr.C.E.Pratap Government Advocate (Crl.Side) for R1 to R4 Mr.A.J.Mohamed Kassim for R5