WP CRL.(MD). No.725 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 11/02/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY WP CRL.(MD). No.725 of 2026 T.Paunraj ... Petitioner Vs State of Tamilnadu Rep by Inspector of Police, Villur Police Station, Madurai District. ... Respondents PRAYER :- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to provide the police protection to this petitioners villagers to celebration of Siva Rathiri festival on 15.02.2026 and 16.02.2026 in their Arulmigh Sri Shaktih Vinayagar, Sri Ayyanar, Sri Veerakalaiammal and 21 Parivara Thievangal temple at Kavasakottai, M.Pothanathi Village, Kallikudi Taluk, Madurai District on the basis of the representation of the peittioner, dated 24.01.2026 within a stipulated period. For Petitioner : Mr. M.Arumugam, Advocate. For Respondent : Mr.A.S. Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (Crl.Side) 1/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.725 of 2026 ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to provide police protection to the petitioner’s villagers for the celebration of the Siva Rathiri festival on 15.02.2026 and 16.02.2026 in their Arulmigh Sri Shaktih Vinayagar, Sri Ayyanar, Sri Veerakalaiammal, and 21 Parivara Thievangal Temple at Kavasakottai, M. Pothanathi Village, Kallikudi Taluk, Madurai District, based on the representation of the petitioner dated 24.01.2026, within a stipulated period. 2. Mr. A.S. Abul Kalaam Azad, learned Government Advocate (Crl. side), takes notice for the 2nd respondent. 3. According to the petitioner, there exists dispute with regard to the installation of a new idol in the temple. However, the present celebration pertains only to Shivaratri. There is no dispute that all persons are entitled to worship in the temple. Accordingly, police protection shall be provided to both the petitioner’s group and the rival 2/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.725 of 2026 group for the conduct of the Shivaratri festival, while the issue of installing the new idol shall be dealt with separately. 4. With the above observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of. 11.02.2026 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No TRP Note : Issue order copy on 12.02.2026 TO The Inspector of Police, Villur Police Station, Madurai District. 3/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.725 of 2026 S.SRIMATHY,J TRP ORDER IN WP CRL.(MD) No.725 of 2026 Date : 11/02/2026 4/4 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis