W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 30.04.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 M.Dhana Kumar ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The State of Tamilnadu, Rep by its the Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar District. 2. The Inspector of Police, Narikudi Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk, Virudhunagar District. 3. The Sub-Inspector of Police, A.Mukkulum Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk, Virudhunagar District. 4. M.Thanaselvam 5. The Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District. ... Respondents (R5 is suo motu impleaded vide order of this Court dated 30.04.2026 in this petition.) 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent to grant permission to perform the nerthikadan and sacrifice the goats as per the customary practice in Sri Oothadi Karuppanasamy Temple, Ayyanar Temple and Vinayaga Temple in Salaimaraikulam, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Bharathi For Respondents : Mr.S.S.Manoj (R1 to R3) Government Advocate (Crl.) Mr.M.Muthumanikkam (R5) Government Advocate (Civil) Mr.A.K.Manickkam (R4) ORDER This writ petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the 2nd respondent to grant permission to perform the nerthikadan and sacrifice the goats as per the customary practice in Sri Oothadi Karuppanasamy Temple, Ayyanar Temple and Vinayaga Temple in Salaimaraikulam, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District. 2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is a devotee and one among the Karaidharar Vagairas of the Sri Oothadi Karuppanasamy Temple, Ayyanar Temple, and Vinayaga Temple 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 situated at Salaimaraikulam, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District. The petitioner is willing to sacrifice two goats as part of his nerthikadan at the said temple, along with 20 persons, and worship the principal deity. However, the same is being obstructed by the fourth respondent and hence, this writ petition has been filed. 3. The learned counsel for the fourth respondent categorically contended that the question of permitting the petitioner to sacrifice goats does not arise. The devotees may be permitted to perform individual goat sacrifices only after the sacrifice of the common village goat. 4. The learned Government Advocate, Mr. S.S.Manoj, submitted that a peace committee is pending before the jurisdictional Tahsildar, and the same would be convened after 4th May, 2026. 5. In this regard, the Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District is suo motu impleaded as the 5th respondent, for whom, Mr.M.Muthumanikkam, learned Government Advocate takes notice. Registry is directed to carry out the necessary amendments. 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 6. Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, the 5th respondent is directed to convene the peace committee of the rival factions on 09.05.2026 and hear either sides. 7. It is also he contention of the petitioner that he has no connection with the rivalry among the various Vagairas concerning the sacrifice of goats or the administration of the temple. He is merely a devotee belonging to one of the Vagairas, who is required to fulfil his nerthikadan. In furtherance of the same, he has reared two goats and is willing to sacrifice them to complete his nerthikadan. Such an act, he submits, should not be hindered on the ground of inter se rivalry among the various Vagaira factions. 8. In view of the above, the fifth respondent is directed to facilitate and permit the petitioner to sacrifice his two goats on 15.05.2026 at 05.00 p.m., irrespective of the outcome of the peace committee resolutions. The petitioner is permitted to perform his nerthikadan along with 20 persons. The petitioner is also directed to participate in the peace committee meeting. 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 9. With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. 30.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No sm Note: Issue order copy on 04.05.2026. TO:- 1. The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar District. 2. The Inspector of Police, Narikudi Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk, Virudhunagar District. 3. The Sub-Inspector of Police, A.Mukkulum Police Station, Thiruchuzhi Tk, Virudhunagar District. 4. The Tahsildar, Kariyapatti Taluk, Virudhunagar District. 5. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Sm Order made in W.P.Crl.(MD)No.1968 of 2026 Dated 30.04.2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis