Courts may allow festival celebrations when imposing conditions to maintain communal harmony and law and order.

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 07.05.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY and W.M.P.Crl(MD) No.664 of 2026 Murugesan ... Petitioner Vs

1.The State of Tamilnadu, Rep by the Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District.

2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Orthanadu Sub Division, Thanjavur District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Pappanadu Police Station, Thanjavur District. ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the impugned order dated 05.05.2026 passed by the Respondent No.3 vide proceedings in Na.Ka.No.122/G-8 PND PS/2026 and quash the same as illegal and consequently directing the respondents herein to grant permission for conducting cultural program scheduled on 06.05.2026 between 6.00p.m. To 11.00 p.m., in pursuance to the Chithirai Festival of Sree Muthumariamman Temple, situated at Vellur Village, Pappanadu Post, Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur District on the basis of the representations dated 30.03.2026 and 30.04.2026 within a stipulated time period in accordance with law.

For Petitioner : Mr.C.Senthil Murugan For R-1 to R3 : Mr.A.S.Abul Kalaam Azad Government Advocate (Crl.side)

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus,to quash the impugned order passed by the 3^rd respondent in his proceedings in Na.Ka.No.122/G-8 PND PS/2026, dated 05.05.2026 and consequently direct the respondents to grant permission for conducting cultural program scheduled on 06.05.2026 between 6.00p.m. to 11.00 p.m., in pursuance to the Chithirai Festival of Sree Muthumariamman Temple, situated at Vellur Village, Pappanadu Post, Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur District on the basis of the representations dated 30.03.2026 and

30.04.2026.

2. Admittedly, there were two groups belonging to two different communities. Therefore, the respondent rejected permission on the ground of a law and order issue. The learned Government Advocate further submitted that, if permission is granted, the petitioner and his group may indulge in raising communal slogans, which could further deteriorate the situation.

3. Therefore, this Court is of the considered opinion that the petitioner and the members of the community are entitled to celebrate the festival, subject to the imposition of conditions. In particular, a condition shall be imposed that no communal or political colour shall be given to the temple festival. Hence, the impugned order passed by the 3^rd respondent in his proceedings in Na.Ka.No.122/G-8 PND PS/2026, dated 05.05.2026, is hereby quashed. The respondents are directed to consider the petitioner's request and impose all necessary conditions, especially the condition that no political or communal colour shall be given to the temple festival.

4. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is allowed. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed.