Court Rules in Favor of Hindu Feast ‘Annadhanam’ on Public Ground.

Madras High Court Allows Hindu Community Feast On Ground Long Used For Easter Events.

While allowing a writ petition by K Rajamani, Justice GR Swaminathan, observed that a government-owned public ground “must be available to all communities or none.”

R. Hridya | HENB | Chennai | Nov 1, 2025:: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has delivered a significant judgment, allowing a Hindu group to hold a community feast (Annadhanam) on a public ground in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district. The court’s decision came despite objections from the Christian community, which claimed the ground had been used for Easter events for over a century. In the delivered a landmark judgment, the court held that a public ground belonging to the State cannot be denied to one community while allowing another community to use it. The court ruled that such exclusion would be violative of Article 15 of the Constitution.

The Case

The petitioner, K Rajamani, had challenged the Tahsildar’s decision to deny permission for the feast, citing the ground’s alleged traditional use by Christians during Easter. During argument, the police informed the court that the request was rejected as it would give rise to law and order issues. However, Justice GR Swaminathan ruled that a government-owned public ground “must be available to all communities or none.”

Key Observations

– Equal Access: The court emphasized that exclusion of any group solely on religious grounds would offend Article 15 of the Constitution. The court held that a public ground belonging to the State should be available to all sections of society, irrespective of their religious or communal background.
– Constitutional Precedence: Justice Swaminathan stated that pre-constitutional arrangements not in line with constitutional values cannot continue.
– Fundamental Right: The court observed that the right to conduct Annadhanam can be brought within the scope of one’s fundamental right under Article 25 of the Constitution.
– Law and Order: The judge criticized the administration’s reliance on law and order concerns to deny fundamental rights, emphasizing that it is the duty of authorities to protect the exercise of legitimate rights .
– Duty of Authorities: The court emphasized that it is the duty of the local administration including police to uphold fundamental rights and deal with any law and order problems that may arise.

Landmark Judgment

The court’s decision is seen as a significant step towards promoting inter-religious harmony and equal access to public spaces. Justice Swaminathan’s observations on communal coexistence and the importance of respecting each other’s celebrations are particularly noteworthy.

The Verdict

The court allowed the petitioner to hold the Annadhanam on November 3 at the disputed site, with instructions to restore the ground to its original condition after use. The Superintendent of Police, Dindigul, was directed to ensure the event passes off peacefully. While allowing a writ petition by K Rajamani, Justice GR Swaminathan, observed that a government-owned public ground “must be available to all communities or none.”

Promoting Inter-Religious Harmony

The court also emphasized the importance of inter-religious harmony and cultural unity, stating that participation from other religions is essential in every religious event. The judge noted that such interactions alone can ensure peace in society.
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_Agency Inputs.