Theni SP summoned to court in Andipatti temple fest case

MADURAI: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court has summoned the Theni superintendent of police (SP) to appear before the court on Wednesday to explain the transgressions in following court directions by police personnel in connection with the celebration of a temple festival near Andipatti .

Ten days ago, the court had issued an interim ruling that there shall be no celebration of ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ at a temple in 2019 after it was brought to the court’s knowledge that people belonging to one particular caste held the flag-hoisting ceremony violating court directions.

A division bench of justice N Kirubakaran and justice S S Sundar had initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the deputy superintendent of police (DSP), Andipatti and Andipatti police inspector for turning a blind eye towards the community people not allowing the temple executive officer to carry out his duties.

On Monday, when the DSP and inspector appeared before the court, the bench was not satisfied with the submissions made and summoned the SP to appear before the court.

S M Raja of Theni had moved the court in July 2018 seeking directions to the Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department to conduct the 94th Chithirai Thiruvizha festival for 2019 at the Arulmigu Sri Muthumariamman temple, Jakkampatti in Andipaatti.

The petitioner contended that the temple belongs to nine communities in the region while one community alone is claiming ownership and conducting the festival.

After hearing the submissions, the court held that the temple was built with contributions from people of all communities and passed an interim order restraining the concerned community (Saliyar Mahajana Sangam) from conducting the festival.

While this being the case, the HR&CE executive officer submitted to the court that the community people went ahead with flag-hoisting ceremony in violation of court directions and when the HR&CE staff attempted to take photographs, they were abused and the camera was snatched.