C. SATHASIVAM Vs. SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner, who claims to be a member of the Organising Committee of Arulmighu Sri Selva Muthumariamman Temple at Poonkovil Street, Alathoor, Trichy District, has invoked the extraordinary jurisdiction that this Court exercises under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for a Mandamus to the respondents to grant permission to conduct a cultural program (Adal Padal) to be held on 29/5/2023 at about 06.00 p.m. and karakattam program to be held on 31/5/2023 at about 06.00 p.m. in connection with the Vaikasi Festival at the said temple.

(2.) The petitioner would contend that this temple is nearly 50 years old having rich and cultural heritage and that the Vaikasi Festival is an age old function that is being conducted in the aforesaid temple. For the current year, the festival is proposed to be held between the period from 21/5/2023 to 1/6/2023. One of the features of the function is a cultural event on 29/5/2023, which is styled as "Adal Padal" and a karakattam program on 31/5/2023. The petitioner would submit that he has made a representation on 17/5/2023 vide registered post to the respondents to grant permission to conduct the said cultural festival which has not been considered to date. Hence, the petitioner has approached this Court.

(3.) Heard the learned counsel on either side.