WP Crl.(MD) NO. 186 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. 186 of 2026 S.Alagappan Petitioner(s) Vs 1.The District Collector, Sivagangai District. 2. The Tahsildar, Thirupathur Taluk, Sivagangai District. 3. The Sub Inspector of Police, Poolankurichi Police Station, Sivagangai District. Respondent(s) For Petitioner(s): Mr.K. Sivabalan, for M/S.Aran Legal Consultancy For Respondent(s): Mr.M. Muthumanikkam, Government Advocate (crl. Side), for R-1 and R-2 Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad, Government Advocate (crl. Side), for R-3 1/5 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 186 of 2026 Prayer: Writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to prevent unauthorized persons from performing Pooja at the Arulmighu Sandhi Veeran Temple, Poolankurichi Village, Sivagangai District and to prohibit the granting of Special Privileges and tying to ceremonial turbans (Thalai Pagai) in the said temple festival scheduled to be held on 15.01.2026 and to ensure that temple worship is conducted strictly in accordance with the orders of this Court, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 06.01.2026. ORDER This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to prevent unauthorized persons from performing Pooja at the Arulmighu Sandhi Veeran Temple, Poolankurichi Village, Sivagangai District and to prohibit the granting of Special Privileges and tying to ceremonial turbans (Thalai Pagai) in the said temple festival scheduled to be held on 15.01.2026 and to ensure that temple worship is conducted strictly in accordance with the orders of this Court, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 06.01.2026. 2/5 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 186 of 2026 2. During the course of hearing, the petitioner restricted his prayer to the first honour alone. The issue has already been decided in several writ petitions, and the first honour cannot be claimed by any person unless and until it is recognised by a competent Civil Court. Therefore, the respondents cannot entertain such claims, and all persons shall only be permitted to worship alone. 3. As far as the other prayer seeking to prevent unauthorised persons from performing pooja is concerned, the same is declined, as there is no sufficient evidence available on record to adjudicate the said issue. 4. With these directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No Costs. 12-01-2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes KSA Note : Issue a copy of order on 13.01.2026 3/5 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 186 of 2026 To 1.The District Collector, Sivagangai District. 2. The Tahsildar, Thirupathur Taluk, Sivagangai District. 3. The Sub Inspector of Police, Poolankurichi Police Station, Sivagangai District. 4. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. 4/5 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP Crl.(MD) NO. 186 of 2026 S.SRIMATHY , J. KSA W.P.Crl.(MD)No. 186 of 2026 12.01.2026 5/5 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis