Courts can quash arbitrary refusals of cultural program permissions during temple festivals, granting conditional approval per police guidelines.

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI P.Sasikumar ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Revenue Divisional Officer, The Election Officer, Bodi Assembly Constituency, Bodi, Theni District.

2. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Bodi Circle, Theni District.

3. The State Rep By The Inspector of Police, Bodi Taluk Police Station, Bodinayakanur, Theni District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for records pertaining to the impugned order passed by the 3^rd respondent in Na.Ka.No.132/Bodi Taluk Ka.Ni/2026 dated 21.04.2026 and quash the same and direct the 3rd Respondent to grant permission and necessary protection to perform the cultural program ie., Adal Padal on 29.04.2026 at 06.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in the evening of Arulmigu Sri Kaliyamman Thirukovil Chithirai Thiruvizha Muthaiyanchettipatti Vilalge, Theni District. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Srinivasaragavan For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar (R2 & R3)

Government Advocate (Crl.)

Mr.C.Satheesh (R1)

Government Advocate (Civil)

ORDER

This petition has been filed challenging the rejection order passed by the

3^rd respondent in Na.Ka.No.132/Bodi Taluk Ka.Ni/2026 dated 21.04.2026 and quash the same and direct the 3^rd respondent to grant permission and necessary protection to perform the cultural program ie., Adal Padal on 29.04.2026 at 06.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in the evening of Arulmigu Sri Kaliyamman Thirukovil Chithirai Thiruvizha Muthaiyanchettipatti Vilalge, Theni District.

2. It is brought to the notice of this Court that the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu issued two circulars bearing Rc.No.159539/Crime. 4(3)/2018, signed on 31.10.2018 and Rc.007301/GenlI(1)/2019, dated

09.04.2019, wherein instructions have been given to the Inspectors of Police throughout Tamil Nadu for consideration of applications seeking permission for conducting cultural programme.

3. In view of the above, the impugned order dated 21.04.2026 is hereby quashed. This Writ Petition is allowed on the following conditions:-

(a) The petitioner is permitted to conduct Adal Padal program on

29.04.2026 from 07.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in connection with the temple festival of Arulmigu Sri Kaliyamman Thirukovil Chithirai Thiruvizha situated at Muthaiyanchettipatti Vilalge, Theni District.

(b) The organisers, who shall be the responsible members of the festival committee, shall ensure that only cultural programs having some relevance to the temple or the festival in question would be conduct-ed and there shall not be any obscene display/dance being conducted;

(c) The program shall not extend beyond 10 p.m.;

(d) No women participating in the cultural program would be depicted or portrayed in an obscene or undignified manner either in the form of clothing or otherwise;

(e) The music that shall be used shall be in sync with the precincts of the temple and double meaning songs should not be played;

(f) There shall be no supply of alcohol or any intoxicating material in and around the area where cultural program is scheduled to be held;

(g) None of the songs or dances performed in the said programme shall exhibit any political tone, tenor, or colour, nor shall they relate to or promote any religion, community, or caste.

(h) Organizers shall not erect any digital banners/placards on either side of the arterial roads, platforms, walkways/major roads and any other roads;

(i) the function should not affect caste, religious or communal harmony and shall be conducted without any discrimination;

(j) The attire of the dancers performing in the said programme should be modest and does not involve exposure of the midriff, thighs, legs or chest. Any violation of this condition shall result in legal action, including the a