Madras HC Orders Reopening Of Temple In Villupuram Sealed Over Caste Conflicts, Asks Govt To Act In Case Of Law & Order Problems

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department to reopen the Draupadi Amman temple. The court asked the government to take action against any person who attempted to create law and order problems. In March last year, the court had directed the Joint Commissioner of the HR & CE, Villupuram District to perform poojas in the temple but had emphasised that no one else will be allowed in the temple.

The temple was sealed by the Revenue Divisional Officer in June 7, 2023 following a dispute over the entry of Scheduled Caste members into the temple. The members belonging to the dominant caste had been protesting against the entry of members belonging to the Scheduled communities in the temple while the latter had been protesting for their right to entry. When rounds of peace talks failed, the RDO ordered the temple to be sealed under Section 145(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

Though a plea was initially filed to reopen the temple, the court refused to entertain the same and asked the parties to approach the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department. Considering the sentiments of the devotees, another plea was filed to allow daily pooja.

Though the Collector raised apprehensions about reopening the temple and said that the same may result in law and order problem, the court had allowed daily pooja to be conducted and added that the same would not affect the right of respective parties and the rights of existing poojaris, who used to conduct pooja in the temple.

Case Title: Raji v Executive Magistrate/ The Revenue Divisional Officer and Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Mad) 68

Case No: WP 21769 of 2023