WP Crl.(MD) NO. 177 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.01.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY WP Crl.(MD) NO. 177 of 2026 Palaniappan Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, O/o. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Alangudi Division, Pudukottai District. 2. State of Tamilnadu Rep by Inspector of Police, Vadakadu, Police Station, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai. Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s): Mr.K. Balasubramanian, Senior Counsel for Mr.K.C.Maniyarasu For Respondent(s): Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (crl. Side) Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct the Volley Ball competition in view of pongal festival on 14.01.2026 and 15.01.2026 at 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 177 of 2026 Anna volley ball association playground, Vadakadu, Pudukkottai District. ORDER This writ petition has been filed to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct the Volley Ball competition in view of pongal festival on 14.01.2026 and 15.01.2026 at Anna volley ball association playground, Vadakadu, Pudukkottai District. 2. The learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side) appearing for the respondent police, on instructions, submitted that there are two rival groups and that the respondents are denying permission to the petitioner herein to conduct a volleyball competition. It was further submitted that the temple was constructed on poramboke land and that the temple belongs to the village. The place earmarked for the event is also Government poramboke land, which belongs to the temple and is adjacent thereto. 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 177 of 2026 3. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, if permission is granted to the petitioner, the rival group would object, which may result in a clash. Therefore, this Court is of the considered opinion that if permission is granted to one group to celebrate the Pongal festival and conduct a volleyball competition, the other group must also be granted permission to celebrate the Pongal festival and conduct a volleyball competition. If permission to celebrate the Pongal festival is not granted, then permission to conduct the volleyball competition also cannot be granted. The respondents cannot act partially or in a discriminatory manner. 4. Accordingly, the respondents are strictly directed not to grant any permission for conducting the Pongal festival as well as the volleyball competition. Further, it is seen that a suit is pending between the parties. Till the disposal of the suit, both parties shall not celebrate the Pongal festival and not conduct any volleyball competition. However, Pongal festival may be conducted by the local administration and all persons, without any discrimination, may be allowed to participate. 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 177 of 2026 5. With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No Costs. No Costs. 12.01.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes KSA Note : Issue a copy of order on 13.01.2026 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 177 of 2026 To 1. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, O/o. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Alangudi Division, Pudukottai District. 2. The Inspector of Police, Vadakadu, Police Station, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai. 3. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 177 of 2026 S.SRIMATHY, J KSA W.P.Crl.(MD) No. 177 of 2026 12.01.2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis