Temple case THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY WP No. 28230 of 2026 Pamban ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, 119 Uthamar Gandhi Raod, Nungambakakm, Chennai 600

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 20-07-2026
CORAM
THE HON’BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY
WP No. 28230 of 2026
Pamban
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, 119 Uthamar Gandhi Raod, Nungambakakm, Chennai 600 034.
2. The District Collector, Salem District, Salem 636 001.
3. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and charitable Endowments, Nethimedu, Salem Region, Salem 636 002.
4. The District Revenue officer, Salem district,
Kallakurichi 606 202.
5. The Revenue Divisional officer (RDO),
Attur,
Salem District 636 102.
6. The Superintendent of Police, Salem District, Salem 636 002.
7. The Tahsildar, Thalaivasal Taluk, Salem District 636 112.
8. The Inspector of Police,
Thalaivasal Police station,
Salem District 636 112.
9. The Executive officer,
HR and CE Department,
Aragalur,
Salem District 636 101.
..Respondent(s)
Prayer: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the Respondents 1 to 9 to immediately ensure equal, unhindered entry, worship, and Pongal making rights to the Adi Dravidar public including the petitioner under adequate police protection during the annual Arulmigu Ayyanar Temple festival at Deviyakurichi Village, Salem district scheduled on 21.07.2026 and 22.07.2026 guarantee their equal right to participate in pulling the temple chariot, direct that the Chariot Procession (Ther Pavani) pass through the streets where the Adi Dravidar residents of Deviyakurichi Village resides as well by considering the representation dated 11.07.2026 of the petitioner.
For Petitioner(s): Mr.Prabhu C.
For Respondent(s): Mr.V.Chandraprabu,
Government’s Counsel (HR & CE) for R1, 3 & 9
Mr.B.Pachaiyappan,
Government’s Counsel for R2, 4, 5 & 7
Mr.Durai Gunasekaran,
Government’s Counsel (Crl.side) for R6 & 8
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 11.07.2026.
2. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner
belongs to the Scheduled Caste community and is a resident of Deviyakurichi Village. While so, the petitioner and other families belonging to the said community are being obstructed by members of another community from participating in the “Ther” festival of Arulmigu Ayyanar Temple, Deviyakurichi Village, which is scheduled to be held on 28.07.2026 and 29.07.2026. Furthermore, the other community people are not permitting the temple chariot procession to pass through the streets, where the Scheduled Caste residents reside. Aggrieved by this, the petitioner submitted a formal representation dated 11.07.2026 to the official respondents. However, the said representation has not been considered to date. Hence, this writ petition.
3. Mr.V.Chandraprabhu, learned Government’s Counsel accepts notice on behalf of respondents 1, 3 and 9. Mr.B.Pachaiyappan, learned Government’s Counsel accepts notice on behalf of respondents 2, 4, 5 and 7 and submitted that all necessary arrangements have been duly made regarding the festival. He further submits that arrangements have been made to ensure the temple chariot procession passes through the residential areas of the Scheduled Caste community, wherever feasible, subject to the availability of proper road
facilities.
4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.
5. Such being the case, recording the aforesaid submission, this Court directs the respondents to ensure that the petitioner and other members of the Scheduled Caste community of Deviyakurichi Village, Salem District are allowed to participate in the “Ther” festival, which is scheduled to be held on 28.07.2026 and 29.07.2026, with adequate police protection. The respondents are further directed to ensure that the temple chariot passes through the streets, where the Scheduled Caste community resides, during the chariot procession to the possible extent, if the pathway accommodate the chariot procession.
With the aforesaid direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.
20-07-2026
Index: Yes/No
Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No
VM
To:
1. The Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, 119 Uthamar Gandhi Raod, Nungambakakm, Chennai 600 034.
2. The District Collector, Salem District, Salem 636 001.
3. The Joint Commissioner,
Hindu Religious and charitable Endowments, Nethimedu, Salem Region, Salem 636 002.
4. The District Revenue officer, Salem district, Kallakurichi 606 202.
5. The Revenue Divisional officer (RDO),
Attur,
Salem District 636 102.
6. The Superintendent of Police, Salem District, Salem 636 002.
7. The Tahsildar, Thalaivasal Taluk, Salem District 636 112.
8. The Inspector of Police,
Thalaivasal Police station, Salem District 636 112.
9. The Executive officer,
HR and CE Department,
Aragalur,
Salem District 636 101.
KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.
VM
WP No. 28230 of 2026
20-07-2026