S.Madhavan alias Madhan v. The Director General of Police
Case brief
What is this about?
W.P.(MD).No.17530 of 2025; Madurai Bench of Madras High Court; decided 27.06.2025 by S.M.Subramaniam, J. and Dr.A.D.Maria Clete, J. Petitioner S.Madhavan @ Madhan sought a Mandamus to ban caste t-shirts, caste flags and caste-coloured fire crackers at the Nellaiappar-Gandhimathi Amman temple car festival, Tirunelveli. Petition disposed of with general directions to HR&CE Department and Police authorities to conduct temple festivals per the HR&CE Act and Rules, departmental guidelines and recognised customs, without caste depiction or discrimination. Subjects: temple festival management, caste-based symbols, HR&CE Act compliance, Article 226 writ of mandamus.
What did the court decide?
No specific mandamus was issued; the writ petition was disposed of on the basis of the general direction that the HR&CE Department authorities, in coordination with the Police authorities, shall ensure the temple festivals are conducted in accordance with the HR&CE Act, Rules, departmental guidelines and recognised customs and practices. No order as to costs.