The First Bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quaddhose passed the direction after taking suo motu cognisance of a letter written by D Selva Kumar of Nagapattinam about the pathetic civic conditions that prevailed in Vadalur, despite the visit of over five lakh devotees annually for the festival.

The bench also recorded the submission of the HR & CE, Special Government Pleader, that all basic amenities including not less than 500 toilets and bathrooms would be temporarily installed for the devotees. He also noted that on January 27 a special meeting is scheduled to be held by the district collector, SP and HR& CE Commissioner in which decisions will be taken to augment the security as well as facilities for those attending the Jyothi Darshan.

The Madras High Court has directed the Executive officer, Arulmighu Subramaniya Swamy Thirukoil, Chennimalai, Erode district, to receive necessary charges from S Natarajan, Secretary of Pidariyur Moondru Grama Nattu Goundergal Mutt of Erode for performing the Mandapa Kattalai pooja during the Thaipoosam festival this year. 

The petitioner had contended that from the days of his great grandfather, who had created Pidariyur Moondru Grama Nattu Goundergal Mutt, they have been performing the ‘Kattalai’ during Thaipoosam festival for the past seven decades. But, due to the intervention of some persons, the HR & CE Department Officials were reluctant to receive the fee and permit the petitioner’s family to conduct the said Pooja from 2011. Therefore, his family has been approaching the court every year from 2011 onwards, seeking appropriate orders to permit them to conduct the Mandapa Kattalai during Thaipoosam festival.

Justice K Ravichandrabaabu on disposing the plea allowed the petitioner to perform the Kattalai Pooja along with other members of the Mutt without providing any Mudhal Mariyadhai or Parivattam either to the petitioner or to any other members of the Mutt.