Pudukottai: A long-standing dispute over worship rights during a traditional temple festival in Tamil Nadu’s Pudukottai district escalated into a major law-and-order issue, leading police to book 41 individuals under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The incident occurred at Valavampatti village near Gandharvakottai during the annual Moongil Ayyanar temple festival.
According to police, the cases were registered after members of the Scheduled Caste community alleged they were prevented from offering prayers and participating in the temple’s annual chariot procession. The complaint resulted in the registration of cases against 41 people belonging to non-Dalit Hindu communities. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the allegations.
The dispute stems from a long-running disagreement over mandagappadi, or traditional worship rights, during the temple festival. The Madras High Court had earlier directed that separate days be allocated to the two communities for conducting their respective religious observances. This year’s festival began on July 17.
Tensions intensified on Saturday when disagreements arose over participation in the temple rituals and the pulling of the ceremonial chariot. The confrontation prompted members of the Scheduled Caste community to block the Thanjavur–Pudukottai National Highway, demanding intervention by authorities. Revenue and police officials later held discussions with the protesters, following which the road blockade was withdrawn.
Later that night, officials from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department took custody of the temple’s processional deity. The move sparked protests from members of the non-Dalit Hindu community, who also staged a highway blockade expressing their dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the situation.
Officials subsequently held multiple rounds of discussions with representatives from both communities in an effort to restore peace and ensure the continuation of the festival. However, no consensus could be reached. Authorities decided that the temple car procession would proceed only if both communities participated jointly. As no agreement was reached, the procession was ultimately cancelled to prevent further unrest.
A heavy police presence was deployed in the village throughout the incident to maintain law and order and prevent any escalation of tensions. Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that further action will be taken based on the evidence collected. The administration has appealed to all parties to maintain peace and resolve the longstanding dispute through lawful and peaceful means.
