Quick Summary: A court case in Tirunelveli resolved a disagreement over police protection for a local festival, allowing participation under specific conditions.
On January 23, 2026, the Madurai branch of the Madras High Court, led by Justice S. Srimathy, addressed a request from C. Muthukrishnan. He asked for police protection for the Kodai festival at the Arulmigu Sri Muppidathi Amman Temple in Brahmadesam Village, Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District. The festival was set for January 26 to January 28, 2026.
The case involved two rival groups. The local police, represented by the Deputy Superintendent and the Police Inspector from Ambasamudram, had refused protection due to several police reports linked to the festival.
"The respondents have denied police protection through the impugned order dated 18.01.2026."
Muthukrishnan's lawyer argued that the third respondent, Sundar, and his family were involved in a past murder within Muthukrishnan's family, which caused tensions. Sundar, however, claimed he wasn't part of the accused families and wanted to participate with only three others from his family.
Justice S. Srimathy stressed the need for resolution, noting that the murder happened in 2013 and relationships shouldn't remain strained indefinitely.
"The relationship between the parties cannot be kept in jeopardy endlessly."
The court canceled the police's previous decision and told them to provide protection for the festival. It was decided that Sundar could participate by offering milk for the Palkudam festival, which would be accepted by Muthukrishnan.
The court's decision allowed the festival to go on with police protection, ensuring both safety and community involvement. Sundar was permitted to join the festival under specific conditions, aiming to ease tensions between the groups.
