CONT.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 09.12.2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Cont.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 in W.P.(MD)No.27853 of 2025 Karuppaiah Servai ... Petitioner Vs. 1.M.Jothilakshmi, The Joint Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Thanjavur District. 2.Jeya, The Special Officer/Executive Officer Arulmighu Shri Senbagasastha Ayyanar Temple, Nambooranipatti, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 3.Lavanya, The Circle Inspector, HR & CE Department, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 4.The Inspector of Police, K.Pudupatti Police Station, Pudukottai District. ... Respondents (R4 is suo motu impleaded vide order dated 09.12.2025 in Cont.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 by GRSJ). 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CONT.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 Prayer: Contempt petition is filed under Section 11 of the Contempt of Courts Act, to punish the Contemnors/ Respondents 1, 3 and 5 for disobeying and defying the order dated 08.10.2025 passed in W.P.(MD).No.27853 of 2025, on the file of this Court in accordance with law. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Paranjothi, For M/s.KBS Law Office. For Respondents : Mr.J.K.Jeyaseelan, Govt. Advocate for R1 & R3. Mr.S.Shanmugam for R2. Mr.Ravi, Addl. Public Prosecutor for R4. O R D E R The petitioner herein along with two others filed W.P.(MD)No.27853 of 2025 questioning the order dated 25.09.2025 passed by the Executive Officer. The writ petition was disposed of on 08.10.2025 in the following terms:- “4.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur in her communication dated 21.08.2025 had made it clear that on 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CONT.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 behalf of three villagers, only five terracotta horses will be taken and that the others in order to fulfil their vows would take Bulls and Mathalais. In the order dated 02.09.2025, I had only stated that even while relegating Karuppaiya / sixth respondent to go before the Joint Commissioner under Section 63 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959, I had permitted Karuppaiya / sixth respondent and his kinsmen to offer terracotta items as mentioned in the proceedings dated 21.08.2025. It only mentions Bulls and Mathalais (fhisfs; kw;Wk; kjiyfs;). I fail to understand as to why, the Executive Officer permitted Karuppaiya / sixth respondent to carry all terrocotta items. To this extent, the impugned order dated 25.09.2025 is set aside. 5.I make it clear that the contentions of both the parties are left open. It is always open to Karuppaiya / sixth respondent herein to go before the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur by filing an application under Section 63 of the of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1959. As and when, such an application is filed, if not already filed, the same shall be disposed of on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six months thereafter. In any event, the issues shall be fully adjudicated and decided well before the next year's celebration is conducted by the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur.” 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CONT.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 2.Even though the petitioner herein had succeeded in the writ petition and the contesting private respondent / sixth respondent / Karuppaiah had not obtained interim stay in the writ appeal, the authorities appear to be adopting a non-cooperative attitude. The jurisdictional police have made it clear that police protection will not be given unless permission is obtained from the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur. 3.The learned counsel for the petitioner states that the hereditary trustee will submit a formal request letter by 10.12.2025 indicating the festival date as 29.12.2025. The first respondent is directed to accord her permission for holding the event. This direction is of course subject to any interim order that may be granted by the Hon'ble Division Bench in W.A.(MD)No.2993 of 2025. It is needless to mention that if interim stay is granted, this direction will cease to operate. Once the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Thanjavur accords permission, the jurisdictional police are directed to extend their fullest assistance to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CONT.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 4.This contempt petition is disposed of with the aforesaid directions. 09.12.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias Issue order copy on 11.12.2025. To:- 1.M.Jothilakshmi, The Joint Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Thanjavur District. 2.Jeya, The Special Officer/Executive Officer Arulmighu Shri Senbagasastha Ayyanar Temple, Nambooranipatti, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 3.Lavanya, The Circle Inspector, HR & CE Department, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 4.The Inspector of Police, K.Pudupatti Police Station, Pudukottai District. 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis CONT.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J. ias Cont.P.(MD)No.3547 of 2025 in W.P.(MD)No.27853 of 2025 09.12.2025 (2/2) 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis