Perambalur Collector directed to resolve chariot fest row

The first bench comprising Chief Justice AP Sahi and Justice Subramonium Prasad said, “We find it appropriate to permit the appellant to approach the district Collector of Perambalur along with a certified copy of this order, who, keeping in view the local traditions and after ascertaining the views of the community at large, may proceed to resolve the controversy.”

The appellant, Varadaraj, had submitted that the controversy besides breaking of coconuts, largely revolves around as to whether the said chariot festival should be allowed to continue in front of the house of the inhabitants or it should be allowed to be collectively held at the point where the chariot commences its journey.

He said attempts were made to reconcile the differences and a peace committee meeting was conducted. But without there being any conclusive consensus, the authorities on their own decided to totally stall holding of the festival itself.

The action of the authorities in totally prohibiting the holding of the festival amounts to an arbitrary exercise of power thereby violating Article 14 of the Constitution, the appellant said.

However, the bench on accounting for the submission of the appellant regards banning the festival owing to the dispute, said, “The right to free worship as is constitutionally protected can be regulated in the event of either any situation of law and order, or in the event of public order.”

“The citizens at large cannot be exposed to any such dangerous social life that may unnecessarily interrupt their peaceful living. But, nonetheless, the right to worship to be totally curtailed in a particular manner may be excessive to the rule of regulation,” the bench added while disposing the appeal.