Disposed
S.Sivalingam v. The Joint Commissioner
Madras HCWP(MD)/25606/2025
Case brief
from the order text
What is this about?
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH…
What the court decided
AI extract
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W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED : 17.09.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN
W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025 and W.M.P.(MD)No.20047 of 2025
S.Sivalingam
... Petitioner
Vs.
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W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025
6.The Inspector of Police, Thirumangalam Town Police Station, Thirumangalam, Madurai District.
7.Ramesh
8.R.Thennarasu
9.Pathirakali
10.Verumandi ... Respondents
Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing respondents 2 to 6 to prevent the issuance of any first honor to any person during the event of puratasi month every Friday's festival scheduled on 19.09.2025, 26.09.2025, 03.10.2025 and 10.10.2025 will be conducted at the temple namely Manthaiamman Temple, Vinayagar Temple Pattatharasi Temple, Sundaravalliamman Temple, Mela Urappanur, Thirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 09.09.2025 within a stipulated period as framed by this Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.P.Balamurugan
For Respondents : Mr.P.Subbaraj,
Spl. Government Pleader for R1 to R4. Mr.A.Albert James, Govt. Advocate (Crl. Side) for R5 & R6. Mr.I.Rajeevan for R7 & R8.
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W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025
ORDER
Heard both sides.
2.The case on hand pertains to the manner of conducting of the petition mentioned temple festival. The prayer in the writ petition is that the official respondents must prevent conferment of first honour on any individual. This is not the job of the authorities. According to the petitioner, nobody should be conferred any first honour. It is for the petitioner to go before the appropriate forum or Court to get the declaration. For these reliefs, the Writ Court's jurisdiction cannot be invoked.
3.Be that as it may, the right of the petitioner to participate in the event like any other devotee alone can be affirmed. It is because under Article 25 of the Constitution of India, every individual has the fundamental right to practice, profess his religion. Participating in a temple festival is also a part of his right. Therefore, only to this limited extent, this Court can issue a declaration in favour of the writ petitioner. The petitioner will have to go elsewhere for other reliefs. 3/6
W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025
17.09.2025
NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias
Issue order copy on 18.09.2025
To:
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W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025
6.The Inspector of Police, Thirumangalam Town Police Station, Thirumangalam, Madurai District.
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W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025
G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.
ias
W.P(MD)No.25606 of 2025
17.09.2025
6/6
1 issue framed by the court
Whether officials can be directed to prevent conferment of first honour at a temple festival via writ jurisdiction.
2 provisions across 1 enactments
S.Sivalingam
The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department
The Assistant Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department
The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thirumangalam Taluk
The Tahsildar, Thirumangalam Taluk Office
Ramesh
G.R.Swaminathan
As recorded by the court registry
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