K.Sanmugasundaram v. The Superintendent of Police
Case brief
What is this about?
Temple priesthood dispute; hereditary poojariship right; rival poojari Rajendran; writ of mandamus under Article 226; police protection for festival worship; Sri KattapuliKaruppanna Swamy Temple, Madurai-Dindigul NH; Maha Shivaratri and Masi Kalari festivals 15.02.2026-16.02.2026; reference of rival claims to Tahsildar, Madurai North for one year; worship allowed to all, petitioner confined to worship; suo motu impleading of Tahsildar; Madras High Court Madurai Bench; WP CRL.(MD). No.783 of 2026; Justice S.Srimathy; decided 12.02.2026; disposed of.
What did the court decide?
Writ petition disposed of with directions: rival poojariship claims (petitioner, Rajendran, others) to be adjudicated before the Tahsildar for this year alone; petitioner, rival claimants and all devotees permitted to worship on the festival day; petitioner expressly confined to worship with no other rights. No order made on the disputed hereditary poojariship claim itself.