WP Crl.(MD)/5851/2026 of Sri Kaliamman Sri Mariyamman, Sri Muthalamman, Sri Bhagavathi Amman,Sri Vinayagar Koil Arakkattalai Vs The District Collector on 2 November 2026

ORDER

This writ petition is filed seeking a direction to the respondents 3 and 5 to grant adequate police protection for carrying out renovation works, at the cost of the petitioner, and for conducting the Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) of Sri Kaliamman Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Sri Muthalamman Temple, Sri Bhagavathi Amman Temple and Sri Vinayagar Temple, situated at Vellabommanpatti Village, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District, based on the representation dated 08.10.2026, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

WP Crl.(MD) No. 5851 of 2026

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner Arakkattalai intends to undertake renovation works and conduct the consecration ceremony of the temples. However, owing to the objections raised by certain members of another community, the petitioner apprehends that the proposed renovation works and religious ceremonies may be obstructed. Hence, the petitioner has submitted a representation seeking police protection.

3. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 and 4 and the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondents 2, 3 and 5 submit that there is an existing dispute between the petitioner and the members of another community with regard to the worship and conduct of festivals in the temples situated in the village. It is further submitted that a Peace Committee meeting has already been convened in connection with the dispute and certain recommendations have been made. An enquiry in this regard is also stated to be pending before the fifth respondent.

4. It is further brought to the notice of this Court that the dispute relating to the conduct of temple festivals and the right of worship has already been the subject matter of earlier proceedings before this Court. In view of the prevailing dispute between the communities, the matter requires to be considered in accordance with the recommendations made by the Peace

WP Crl.(MD) No. 5851 of 2026 Committee and the outcome of the enquiry conducted by the competent authorities.

5. Considering the nature of the dispute and the apprehension expressed by the petitioner, this Court is of the view that the issue requires to be resolved by the competent authorities by taking into account the recommendations made by the Peace Committee and by affording an opportunity of hearing to all the parties concerned.

6. Accordingly, without expressing going into the merits of the matter, the fifth respondent is directed to complete the pending enquiry, if any, and the competent authorities are directed to consider the representation dated 08.10.2026 submitted by the petitioner, in the light of the recommendations made by the Peace Committee, after issuing notice to the petitioner and the representatives of the other community and affording them an opportunity of hearing. The entire exercise shall be completed in accordance with law, on or before 20.11.2026.

6. With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. 02-11-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No skn

WP Crl.(MD) No. 5851 of 2026 To

1. The District Collector Dindigul District Dindigul

2. The Commissioner of Police Dindigul District Dindigul

3. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Vedachendur Dindigul District

4. The Tahsildar Vedasendur Dindigul District

5. The Inspector of Police Vadamadurai Dindigul District

6. The Additional Public Prosecutor Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Madurai

WP Crl.(MD) No. 5851 of 2026 K.GOVINDARAJAN THILAKAVADI, J. skn WP Crl.(MD) No. 5851 of 2026 02-11-2026