[Cites 1, Cited by 0]
Madras High Court
Adaikka Gounder vs The District Collector on 16 March, 2026
Author: D.Bharatha Chakravarthy
Bench: D.Bharatha Chakravarthy
W.P(MD)No. 7244 of 2026
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED :16.03.2026
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY
W.P(MD)No. 7244 of 2026
and
W.M.P.(MD) No.5949 of 2026
Adaikka Gounder ... Petitioner
Vs
1. The District Collector,
Pudukkottai District.
2. The Assistant Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department,
Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District.
3. The Tahsildar,
Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District.
4. The Executing Officer,
Pattathalachi Amman Temple,
Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District.
5. The Inspector of Police,
Viralimalai Police Station,
Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District.
1/6
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W.P(MD)No. 7244 of 2026
6. Ramalinga Gounder
7. Jayaraman
8. Palanichamy ... Respondents
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of
India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the
respondents 1 to 4 to allow the petitioner and his clan separately to
conduct the Panguni temple festival of Arulmigu Pattathalachiamman
Temple at Poyyamani Seethapatti, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai District
on 23.03.2026 and 24.03.2026, by considering the petitioner’s
representations dated 05.03.2026 and 11.03.2026.
For Petitioner : Mr. S.Parthiban
For R1 to R3 : Mr.J.K.Jayaseelan
Government Advocate
For R4 : Mr.G.Mathavan
For R5 : Mr.K.Gnanasekaran
Government Advocate (Crl.Side)
For R6 : Mr.V.Karthikeyan
ORDER
The writ petition is filed for a direction to allow the petitioner and
his clan separately to conduct the Panguni Temple festival of Arulmigu
Pattathalachiamman Temple at Poyyamani Seethapatti, Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District, on 23.03.2026 and 24.03.2026, by considering the
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petitioner’s representations dated 05.03.2026 and 11.03.2026.
2. Upon hearing the learned Counsel of the petitioner, it can be
seen from the prayer that the petitioner wants to separately conduct the
Panguni Temple Festival. The festival falls today and tomorrow, i.e.,
16.03.2026 and 17.03.2026. It is stated that the same is being conducted
as per the decision of this Court made with reference to the claim made
last year in W.P.(MD) No.9426 of 2025 and by following the direction
not to give first preference to anybody.
3. It is also submitted that the festival is being performed and the
petitioner or his clan will not be prohibited in any manner from
participating in the festival. This apart, if the petitioner claims any
customary right to conduct the festival on his own, it is will be open for
him to approach the jurisdictional Joint Commissioner under Section 63
of the TNHR&CE Act, 1959.
4. In view of the same, such an application, if any, shall be filed by
the petitioner within two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of the web
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copy of this order. As and when such application is filed, in the said
application, notice shall be given to the petitioner as well as the
contesting respondents and any other person interested in the Temple and
the matter with reference to the customary practices shall be decided by
the Joint Commissioner in accordance with law within a period of five
(5) months therefrom.
5. It is made clear that at the verge of starting the festival, no
further writ petition will be entertained for the next year. It is for the
petitioner or any other party to approach the Joint Commissioner at the
earliest immediately to establish their own rights and thereafter, the rights
of the parties will only be governed by the decision of the Joint
Commissioner made as per Section 63 of the TNHR&C Act, 1959.
6. With the above observations, the writ petition is disposed of. No
costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
NCC : Yes/No 16.03.2026
apd
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To
1. The District Collector,
Pudukkottai District.
2. The Assistant Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department,
Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District.
3. The Tahsildar,
Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District.
4. The Inspector of Police,
Viralimalai Police Station,
Viralimalai Taluk,
Pudukkottai District.
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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY.,J.
apd
ORDER MADE IN
16.03.2026
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