N.Rajagopal vs District Collector And Others

T.V.Thamilselvi, J

The petitioner has approached this Court seeking a direction to the respondents permitting 35 office bearers of Saliyar Samuthayam to perform basic poojas, rituals and ceremonies which was performed by them for so many decades during the Navarathri period at Arulmigu Anandavalli Amman at Arulmighu Sathuragiri Sundara Mahalinga Thirukovil, Sathurigiri, since it was their family deity.

Heard the learned counsel on either side.

The petitioner has sent a representation through E-mail on 09.10.2021, seeking permission to p e r f o r m p o o j a s o n 1 4 . 1 0 . 2 0 2 1 a n d 1 5 . 1 0 . 2 0 2 1 d u r i n g t h e N a v a r a t h r i p e r i o d .

At the time of arguments, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that poojas, rituals during the Navararthri period was regularly performed by the Saliyar Community, since it was their family deity. He would further submit that if they were not permitted to perform poojas, their religious faith would be much more affected.

On the contrary, the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents 1, 2 and 4 would submit that due to COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government has took a policy decision, not to allow the Devotees to the Temples on every Firday, Saturday and Sunday. He would further submit that in order to control the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government has not allowed the devotees during the period of Navarathri also and hence, the respondents are not inclined to accept the proposal given by the petitioner.

On perusal of records, it is seen that the petitioner has already given a representation to the respondents on 09.10.2021. In view of the Policy decision taken by the Government, this Court is not inclined to interfere with the Government Policy. However, the respondents are directed to dispose of the representation given by the petitioner dated 09.10.2021 on merits and in accordance with law, as early as possible, preferably, on or before 13.10.2021.

T h i s C o u r t h a s n o t g i v e n a n y p o s i t i v e d i r e c t i o n i n f a v o u r o f t h e p e t i t i o n e r .

With these above observations, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There will be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed.