WP.Crl.(MD).No.358 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 23.01.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY WP.Crl.(MD).No.358 of 2026 K.B.Swaminathan ...Petitioner Vs 1. The State of Tamilnadu, The Home Secretary Home Department, Government of Tamilnadu, Secretariat, Chennai 600009. 2. The District Collector, Dindigul District. Dindigul. 3. The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District, Dindigul. 4.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Palani, Dindigul. 5. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani Temple, Dindigul. 6. The Executive Officer, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department, Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani Temple, Palani, Dindigul. ...Respondents https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP.Crl.(MD).No.358 of 2026 For Petitioner: Mr.P.Manikandan For Respondents : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (Crl.side) for R1,R3 & R4 Mr.P.Thambudirai, Government Advocate, for R2 M/s.R.Bharanidharan for R. Murali, for R5 & R6 Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 3 and 4 to consider petitioner representation dated 27.12.2025 to give basic amenities to all Pilgrims and clear the flows in the Tahipoosa festival as per petitioner representation. ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to direct respondents 3 and 4 to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 27.12.2025, seeking provision of basic amenities to all pilgrims and regulation of the flow during the Thaipoosa festival, as per the petitioner’s representation. 2. The learned counsel appearing for respondents 5 and 6 submitted a detailed report addressing each and every issue, and this Court concurs with the same. This Court is impressed by the said report and appreciates the efforts of the temple authorities. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP.Crl.(MD).No.358 of 2026 3. A particular issue was raised by the petitioner is that, after taking a holy bath in Sanmuganathy and Idumbankulam, there is a need for security and cleaning staff on a shift basis. The respondents are directed to provide the same. However, this Court is of the considered opinion that, during any festival or public gathering, there should also be participation from the general public cleaning and security. The petitioner claims to be a resident of Palani and to have an interest in social activities. Therefore, the petitioner, along with a group of individuals, shall assist the sixth respondent and take responsibility for clearing the clothes left behind by the devotees. 4. Accordingly, the respondents, along with the local authorities, shall provide all necessary assistance to the devotees. 5. With the above observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 23.01.2026 KSA https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP.Crl.(MD).No.358 of 2026 To 1. The Home Secretary Home Department, Government of Tamilnadu, Secretariat, Chennai 600009. 2. The District Collector, Dindigul District. Dindigul. 3. The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District. Dindigul. 4.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Palani, Dindigul. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP.Crl.(MD).No.358 of 2026 S.SRIMATHY , J. KSA W.P.Crl.(MD)No. 358 of 2026 23.01.2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis