WP Crl./1020/2026 of C.Somasundaram Vs The District Collector Cuddalore,

`IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 29-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M. NIRMAL KUMAR WP Crl. No. 1020 of 2026 W.P.M.P.Crl.No.339 of 2026 1. C.Somasundaram 2. C.Ramalingam 3. Marimuthu ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector Cuddalore, Cuddalore District. 2. The Superintendent of Police Cuddalore, Cuddalore District. 3. The Inspector of Police, Kadampuliyur, Panruti Taluik, Cuddalore District. 4. Rajendiran 5. Selvamani ..Respondent(s) Prayer:- This Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitut ion of India, pleased to pass order for issuance of Writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate writ or direction, directing the Respondents 1 to 3 to consider the representation of t he petitioners dated 27.03.2026 permitting petitioners to celebrate the Annathana Thiruvizha, Kavadi, Palkudam, Sami Urvalam, on any day in the month of Panguni or Month Sitha rai or in the upcoming months at the Erikulakarai of Sri Vinayagar, Sri Murugar Te mple of Melmampattu Village, Panruti Taluk pass such further or other orders. For Petitioner(s): M/s.S.R.Sumathy For Respondent(s): Mr.Leonard Arul Joseph Selvam Additional Public Prosecutor for R1 to R3 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ORDER This petition is filed to direct the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 27.03.2026, requesting permission to celebrate the Annathana Thiruvizha, Kavadi, Palkudam, Sami Urvalam, on any day during the month of Panguni or Sitharai. 2.The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that a representat ion was sent on 26.03.2026 to respondents 1 to 3 seeking permission to conduct the Annathana Thiruvizha. The petitioners contend that the entire village comprising approximately 3000 residents, joins together together to celebrate the festival at the Sri Vinayagar and Sri Murugar Temple, a tradition that has continued for years without objection. However, one Rajendiran, son of Kalingarayar of Melmampattu village, along with a group of people, has raised objections. Consequently, the third respondent issued proceedings in Na.Ka.No.09/seiyalmurai/2026 dated 26.03.2026, restraining the celebration due to apprehended law and order problems. The petitioners further submitted that the villagers are united and intend to celebrat e the festival peacefully, prompting them to submit the subsequent representation dated 27.03.2026. 3.The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that the third res pondent had conducted a Peace Committee meeting on 26.03.2026 regarding this issue. During the meeting, it was found that another group of twelve members obje cted to the festival, https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis creating a potential law and order situation; therefore, the third respondent restricted the event. The present representation was submitted the following day. He further submitted that if the petitioners provide a fresh representation to the third respondent police, the police should be directed to conduct an enquiry. If no serious objections are found, adequate police protection may be provided; otherwise, permission will not be granted. 4.Heard the rival submissions and perused the materials available on record. 5.Recording the submission of the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, this Petition is disposed. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 29-04-2026 ep To:- 1.The District Collector Cuddalore, Cuddalore District. 2.The Superintendent of Police Cuddalore, Cuddalore District. 3.The Inspector of Police, Kadampuliyur, Panruti Taluik, Cuddalore District. 4.The Public Prosecutor High Court of Madras. M.NIRMAL KUMAR, J. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis Ep WP Crl. No. 1020 of 2026 29-04-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis