The Madras High Court has recorded comprehensive safety and crowd-management measures promised by various government departments for the peaceful conduct of the Tiruvannamalai Mahadeepam festival, following a writ petition filed by public-spirited advocate Elephant G. Rajendiran.
Justice PB Balaji pronounced the order in W.P. No. 44523 of 2025, which sought extensive directions to the State authorities to ensure safety and convenience for the lakhs of devotees undertaking Girivalam and visiting the Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple for the Deepam festival.
Rajendiran, appearing as party-in-person, highlighted issues faced annually by the “devotees who come not only from other parts of the country, but also from outside India,” and sought preventive steps to avoid hardship or harassment during the massive congregation that crosses 30 lakh pilgrims each year.
Court Took Up Case at Admission Stage
When the petition first came up, the Court directed officials including the Director General of Police, Tiruvannamalai District Collector, HR&CE Department, Municipality and others to file immediate status reports outlining preparations for the festival.
The Inspector General of Police, North Zone, filed a detailed report on 24 November 2025, followed by the District Collector’s report filed through the Additional Advocate General on the next hearing date. The Court noted that these were filed after “serving an advance copy to Mr. Elephant G. Rajendiran.”
Petitioner’s Key Concerns Presented Before Court
Rajendiran told the Court he was satisfied with most safety measures but raised three specific concerns:
- Harassment by fake Sadhus and persons belonging to the Aravani (Thirunangai) community, who “harass innocent devotees and go to the extent of even threatening them to part with huge sums of money.”
- Archakars allegedly demanding ransom money, especially at the Kubera Lingam.
- Mobile vans offering massages and other unrelated services along the Girivalam path.
Authorities Assure Action
The Additional Advocate General, citing the District Collector’s status report, informed the Court that “specific Committees have been formed to monitor such intrusion and excesses” along the Girivalam path and that this grievance “is being seriously addressed and the petitioner need not have any apprehensions.”
On the issue of Archakars, the State submitted that identity cards have been issued to all priests, adding that “this grievance of the petitioner is adequately taken care of.”
Regarding the unauthorized vans, the AAG said “this issue will also be addressed” and that instructions would be issued to police personnel deployed during festival days.
Court Records Reports; Expects Implementation “In True Letter and Spirit”
Justice Balaji noted, “This Court is confident that the various measures set out in the said status reports would not remain just on paper, but would be implemented in true letter and spirit.”
The Court formally recorded the status reports filed by the Inspector General of Police and the District Collector and then disposed of the writ petition, closing the connected miscellaneous petitions.
Another great order from Hon’ble Madras High Court on a Writ petition filed by the public and Hindu spirited Advocate Shri Elephant Rajendran –
He had move the Hon’ble Court for directions to Government authorities for peaceful conduct of the Deepam Festival of Sri… pic.twitter.com/cgdWcaORiL
— trramesh (@trramesh) November 29, 2025
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