Permission for temple cultural programs granted under Art.226 with strict conditions to ensure decency and public order.

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI PL.Rajendran ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

3.The Inspector of Police, Thirupathur Town Police Station, Sivagangai District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting “Sri Valli Thirumanam Drama” scheduled to be held on 13.05.2026 at about 10.00 pm in connection with the annual festival of Arulmigu Sri Antharanachi Amman Temple, situated at Kottaiyiruppu Village, Thiruppathur Taluk, Sivagangai District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 15.04.2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Balamurugan For Respondents : Mr.C.Satheesh Government Advocate (Crl.side)

for R1 : Mr.S.S.Manoj Governemnt Advocate (Crl.side)

for R2 & R3

ORDER

This petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting “Sri Valli Thirumanam Drama” scheduled to be held on 13.05.2026 at about 10.00 pm in connection with the annual festival of Arulmigu Sri Antharanachi Amman Temple, situated at Kottaiyiruppu Village, Thiruppathur Taluk, Sivagangai District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 15.04.2026.

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, this Writ Petition is disposed of on the following conditions:-

(a) The petitioner is permitted to conduct “Sri Valli Thirumanam Drama”

on 13.05.2026 from 07.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in Arulmigu Sri Antharanachi Amman Temple, situated at Kottaiyiruppu Village, Thiruppathur Taluk, Sivagangai 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 conducted 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 arrest of the organisers and all members of the temple committee.

(k) the Police is empowered to stop the programme, if it exceeds beyond the permitted time;

(l) if any untoward incident takes place, the organizers of the programme be made respons