M.P. BALASUBRAMANIAM Vs. GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These writ appeals are extension of dispute between two groups with respect to the fixation of date of performance of kumbabishekam. One group supported the views of the official respondents and supplemented with their materials whereas the other group seeks to conduct it on a different date based upon their own materials and also on the premise that it would be against the Aagamas and Sastras as Mandala Pooja cannot be allowed to continue in view of the ensuing car festival to be conducted during Sivarathiri.

(2.) Insofar as the temple by name Arulmighu Selva Kumaraswamy temple is concerned, there is no grievance because it is a private temple. Thus, we are concerned with the other temples for which also kumbabishekam has been fixed on 05.02.2020. Out of two temples, the temple by name Arulmighu Selva Kumaraswamy temple, the date for car festival is fixed and thus for the other temple, there is no issue withe respect to the car festival during the Mandala Pooja.

(3.) From the counter affidavit filed by the official respondents, it is seen that the date of kumbabishekam was fixed on 05.02.2020. Perhaps, necessary proposal was sent to the concerned officials. At that point of time, representations were received requesting to change the date from 05.02.2020 to 29.04.2020. The Joint Commissioner, Coimbatore conducted a joint meeting by calling both groups. Obviously, no consensus could be arrived at. Accordingly, the meeting was adjourned. Pursuant to the appointment of the second respondent, a further meting was conducted and based upon the materials inclusive of the opinions given by the majority of the experts, it was decided to fix the kumbabishekam on 05.02.2020. The following is the proceedings of the second respondent which would encapture the facts governing: