The court mandates guidelines to ensure public order, cultural sanctity, and prevent obscenity during the Aadal Paadal event.
In a significant decision, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has granted permission for the Aadal Paadal Orchestra Program to be conducted as part of the temple festival at Sri Aathi Parameshwari Amman Temple in Mukkani Village, Thoothukudi District. The program, scheduled for June 23, 2026, will proceed under strict conditions laid out by the court to maintain public order, cultural sanctity, and prevent obscenity or discrimination.
The petitioner, Pichai Raja, had sought the court's intervention to issue a Writ of Mandamus for permission and protection to conduct the cultural event. The court, presided over by Mrs. L. Victoria Gowri, J., acknowledged the petitioner’s request and referred to previous circulars issued by the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, which guide the granting of permissions for cultural programs.
The court's order permits the cultural program to be conducted from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the set date, with several conditions to be strictly adhered to by the organizers. Key conditions include a prohibition on obscene displays or vulgar content, ensuring a proper dress code, and a ban on any political or communal elements during the program. The court also emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural relevance to the temple festival and stipulated that the entire event be videographed to ensure compliance.
To further ensure the cultural program aligns with the temple's sanctity, the court imposed a dress code: men must wear dhoti or pyjamas with an upper cloth, women should wear sarees, half sarees, or chudithars with an upper cloth, and children are to wear fully covered attire. Any deviation from these conditions could result in legal action against the organizers.
The court's decision underscores its commitment to balancing cultural expression with the need for public order and morality. The ruling also highlights the judiciary's role in regulating public events to prevent communal disharmony and ensure that such programs do not undermine societal values.
The authorities, including the police, have been empowered to halt the program if the conditions are breached. The organizers are also tasked with obtaining all necessary permissions from relevant authorities and are responsible for any disruptions to public peace.
This judgment reflects the court’s nuanced approach to facilitating cultural traditions while safeguarding community harmony and public decency.
Bottom line:-
Mandamus issued to permit and regulate cultural program for a temple festival, subject to specific conditions to ensure public order, morality, and harmony.
Statutory provision(s): Writ of Mandamus, Circulars Rc.No.159539/Crime.4(3)/2018, Rc.007301/GenlI(1)/2019
