Madras High Court
WP Crl.(MD)/6174/2026 of J. Andichamy Vs The District Collector on 12 November 2026
WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED: 12-11-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE K. GOVINDARAJAN THILAKAVADI
WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026
CNR:{HCMD011593892026}
J. Andichamy
S/o, Jothimani,
Sirukudi Village,
Natham Taluk,
Dindigul District.
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The District Collector,
Dindigul District,
Velu Nachiyar Complex,
Dindigul District.
2. The Superintendent of Police,
Dindigul District,
Velu Nachiyar Complex,
Dindigul District.
3. The Revenue Divisional OFficer,
Dindigul Division,
Dindigul District.
..Respondent(s)
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the Respondents particularly the 3rd Respondent to conduct an enquiry and pass appropriate orders in connection with the grievance of the petitioner and his villagers in regard with kumbabishegam for Arulmigu Sri
WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026
Manthai Muthalamman temple and Arulmigu Sri Malai Alangaram Swamy temple together by considering the customary and hereditary practice of Sirukudi village in his pending proceedings in Na.Ka.No.
1011/2025/A2 dated 12.10.2026 within the time frame fixed by this Hon’ble Court and pass such further or other orders as this Hon’ble Court may deem to fit and proper in circumstances of the case and thus render justice.
For Petitioner(s)
:M/s J.Guna Singh
For Respondent(s)
:Mr.D.Rajaboopathy
Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side)
for R1 and R2
Mr.A.Sivasubramanian
Addl. Govt. Pleader for R3
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ORDER
This writ petition is filed seeking a direction to the third respondent to conduct an enquiry and pass appropriate orders with regard to the grievance of the petitioner and the villagers of Sirukudi Village concerning the conduct of Kumbabishekam for Arulmigu Sri Manthai Muthalamman Temple and Arulmigu Sri Malai Alangaram Swamy Temple, by taking into consideration the customary and hereditary practices followed in the village, in the pending proceedings in Na.Ka.No.1011/2025/A2, dated 12.10.2026.
WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that, as per the customary and hereditary practice followed in Sirukudi Village for several decades, the Kumbabishekam of Arulmigu Sri Manthai Muthalamman Temple is conducted either along with or subsequent to the Kumbabishekam of Arulmigu Sri Malai Alangaram Swamy Temple, but not before it. To substantiate the said customary practice, the petitioner has produced copies of the earlier Kumbabishekam notices issued in the years 2000 and 2013.
3. The learned counsel further submits that, owing to disputes between two groups regarding the administration of the temples, several writ petitions have been filed before this Court. In the meantime, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department has taken over the administration of Arulmigu Sri Malai Alangaram Swamy Temple and appointed a Fit Person under Section 49(1) of the HR&CE Act. The administration of Arulmigu Sri Manthai Muthalamman Temple, which is a village temple, is also under dispute. In order to maintain peace and harmony among the villagers, the third respondent has convened a peace committee meeting and issued proceedings in Na.Ka.No.1011/2025/A2, dated 12.10.2026, which are pending consideration. The learned counsel clarifies that the petitioner is not seeking to stall the proposed
WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026 Kumbabishekam, but only seeks consideration of the customary practice followed in the village.
4. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the third respondent submits that the competent authority to consider the issue is the Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Dindigul. He further submits that, if the petitioner submits a fresh representation before the said authority, the same will be considered in accordance with law.
5. Considering the nature of the dispute and the rival claims regarding the customary practices followed in the village, this Court is of the view that the matter requires consideration by the competent authority of the HR&CE Department.
6. Accordingly, the petitioner is directed to submit a fresh representation, along with all relevant documents, including the earlier Kumbabishekam notices before the Assistant Commissioner, HR&CE Department, Dindigul. On receipt of such representation, without prejudice, the Assistant Commissioner shall take up the matter, conduct
WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026 an enquiry, afford sufficient opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, the rival parties and other persons concerned, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, after taking into consideration the customary and hereditary practices which is followed in the village.
7. With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. 12-11-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No skn Copy to : The Assistant Commissioner, HR&CE Department, Dindigul. To
1. The District Collector Dindigul District Velu Nachiyar Complex Dindigul District
2. The Superintendent of Police Dindigul District Velu Nachiyar Complex Dindigul District
3. The Revenue Divisional OFficer Dindigul Division Dindigul District
4. The Additional Public Prosecutor Madurai Bench of Madras High Court Madurai
WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026 K.GOVINDARAJAN THILAKAVADI, J. skn WP Crl.(MD) No. 6174 of 2026 12-11-2026