W.P.CRL.(MD)No.724 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 11.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P.CRL.(MD)No.724 of 2026 M.Ganesan ... Petitioner Vs. 1. The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Thiruparankundram Region, Madurai City Police, Madurai. 2. The Inspector of Police, Thiruparankundram Police Station, Madurai City, Madurai. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, direct the 1st and 2nd respondents to grant permission and give police protection for conduct Sivarathiri Pooja in Sree Karaimurugan Temple Panakulam Kanmai, Nilaiyur Road, Thirupparankundram Taluk, Madurai District dated 15.02.2026 on the base of the petitioner's representation dated 27.01.2026. 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.CRL.(MD)No.724 of 2026 For Petitioner : Mr.K.Maheshraja For Respondents : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (Crl.Side) O R D E R This petition has been filed seeking to direct the 1st and 2nd respondents to grant permission and give police protection for conduct Sivarathiri Pooja in Sree Karaimurugan Temple Panakulam Kanmai, Nilaiyur Road, Thirupparankundram Taluk, Madurai District dated 15.02.2026 on the base of the petitioner representation dated 27.01.2026. 2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is the competent authority to conduct the Pooja festival. The respondents have considered the petitioner’s claim and have referred the matter to the Revenue Divisional Officer, and the same is presently pending consideration. Further, the learned counsel submitted that earlier, one Santhosam had filed a Writ Petition before this Court in W.P.(MD) No. 29855 of 2025, wherein this Court had passed orders and in paragraph 4 of the order it is held as under:- 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.CRL.(MD)No.724 of 2026 ''4.The petitioner states that he and his family members will be present in the Temple premises on 02.11.2025 at 10.00 a.m., Thiru Ganesan/Sixth respondent should preferably be present. If he is unable to be present, any person authorised by him should be present. The said person must officials at Poojari and faciliate the petitioner to offer his customary worship. The petitioner gives an undertaking before this Court he will extend his fullest co- operation.'' 3. However, this year there is a dispute regarding poojariship. 4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court is not inclined to decide the issue at this stage, as the matter has already been referred to the Revenue Divisional Officer, Thirumangalam, Madurai District. Therefore, the petitioner as well as any rival claimants are directed to approach the Revenue Divisional Officer, Thirumangalam, Madurai District since the case is referred to the Revenue Divisional Officer by the respondent police and the same is pending 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.CRL.(MD)No.724 of 2026 with him. The said officer shall hear all parties concerned and pass appropriate orders as expeditiously as possible. 5. With the above directions, this Writ Petition (Criminal) is disposed of. 11.02.2026 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes NCC : Yes / No msrm Note: Issue order copy on 11.02.2026 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.CRL.(MD)No.724 of 2026 To 1.TheAssistant Commissioner of Police, Thiruparankundram Region, Madurai City Police, Madurai. 2. The Inspector of Police, Thiruparankundram Police Station, Madurai City, Madurai. 3. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.CRL.(MD)No.724 of 2026 S.SRIMATHY, J msrm Order made in W.P.CRL.(MD)No. 724 of 2026 11.02.2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis