Madras High Court: In a writ petition concerning the conduct of religious ceremonies on Thiruparankundram Hill, a Single Judge Bench of S. Srimathy, J., held that only the Santhanakoodu Urus scheduled on 06-01-2026 could be permitted, while prohibiting the Kandhoori Mahautsav. The Court emphasised that animal sacrifice, carrying animal meat, cooking of non-vegetarian food, and carrying any non-vegetarian food shall not be permitted, and directed the authorities to strictly enforce these restrictions from the basement of the hill until the top. Consequently, interim directions were issued to maintain law and order, and the matter was posted for filing of counter affidavit.
Background:
The petition was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus to prohibit the conduct of Kandhoori on the hill as per the representation dated 18-12-2025. It was contended that the issue had already been considered earlier and therefore the present petition was not maintainable. It was further argued that the matter had already been settled and hence the principles of res judicata would apply.
On the other hand, it was submitted that the present festival was only for Santhanakoodu Urus, scheduled on 06-01-2026, and that permission granted in 2023 would be followed this year also. It was further alleged that permission would not be granted for Kandhoori Mahautsav.
Analysis and Decision:
The Court emphasised that the festival to be conducted was the Urus festival alone. It was highlighted that the number of participants in the festival shall be restricted to fifty only. The Court observed and restrained the carrying of animal sacrifice, animal meat, cooking of non-vegetarian food, and carrying any non-vegetarian food. It was noted that this direction shall be enforced from the basement of the hill until the top of the hill, and the official respondents shall strictly enforce the above directions.
The Court further emphasised that the judgments passed by the Full Bench and the judgments rendered in several suits shall be strictly followed. The Court, thus, directed the police to strictly maintain law and order.
Ultimately, the Court posted the case on 20-01-2026 for filing of counter affidavit.
[M. Manickamoorthy v. Collector, 2026 SCC OnLine Mad 40, decided on 02-01-2026]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the Petitioner: Niranjan S. Kumar for H. Velavadhas
For the Respondents: R. Baskaran, Additional Advocate General a/w M. Muthumanikam, Government Advocate; Veera Kathiravan, Additional Advocate General a/w S. Ravi, Additional Public Prosecutor, S. Vanchinathan; Chandrasekara
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