HC dismisses plea for fishing festival near Usilampatti

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea seeking permission to conduct fishing festival near Usilampatti in Madurai. A petition filed by Thanikodi came up for hearing before Justice CV Karthikeyan. 

Thanikodi from Valandur near Usilampatti moved the court seeking direction to conduct the fishing festival in the place. The petitioner stated that with much expectation from people residing in parts of Valandur village panchayat, the Pongal festival is scheduled to take place at Karuppu Kovil. 

As part of the festivity, it was planned to organize the fishing festival at Chellappankottai kanmoi, which is located near by the temple. 

When the Public Works Department (PWD) was approached seeking permission for conducting the fishing festival, the PWD authorities denied permission for the conduct of such festival. Hence, the petitioner sought the bench to direct the authorities to grant permission for the fishing festival at Chellappankottai kanmoi. 

Meanwhile, the counsel on behalf of the State Government argued before the bench citing that kanmoi remains a key source of drinking water and also caters to the needs of irrigation for the benefit of farmers. 

Moreover, the counsel also claimed that Chellappankottai kanmoi is under the control of PWD. Citing these, the counsel ruled out the possibility of conducting fishing festival. The Justice after hearing, dismissed the petition.