Judicial Analysis Court Copy Headnote Facts Arguments Court observation

2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41780

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
R. Vijayakumar, J
M. Vadivel – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
Writ Petition

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: R. Venkatesan
For the Respondents: R. Meenakshi Sundaram

The High Court may grant a Writ of Mandamus to permit temple cultural programs provided they comply with timely conduct and public decency standards.

Headnote:The petitioner filed a Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a Writ of Mandamus to direct the police authorities to grant permission and protection for the 'Aadal Padal' (dance and music) programme during a temple festival. The court found it appropriate to grant the permit subject to regulatory compliance. The core issue is whether the court should compel the administrative authorities to grant permission for a cultural event during a religious festival. The court affirmed that while religious festivals are entitled to facilitate communal harmony, the exercise of such rights is subject to time restrictions and the maintenance of public decency. The Writ Petition stands allowed with directions to conclude the function by 10.00 PM and with authority granted to the police to intervene if any obscene performances are staged.

Table of Content
1. petition for authorization of cultural events during religious festivals. (Para 1)
2. court mandated conditions for public performance permits, including time restrictions and decency standards. (Para 2)

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking Mandamus, directing the second respondent to grant permission and provide police protection for conducting Aadal Padal programme on 25.05.2026 in relation to Arulmighu Sri Kali Amman, Mariamman, Bagavathi Amman Temple festival in Veppankudi, Kanikalampatti Post, Kadavur Taluk, Karur District based on the petitioner's representation dated 13.05.2026.

2. In view of the averments in the petition, the second respondent is directed to grant permission and provide police protection for the aforesaid function. It is made clear that the function shall be completed before 10.00 PM on 25.05.2026. It is also made clear that the police authorities are entitled to interfere and stop the function, in case, if any obscene dances are performed.

3. With the above observations, this Writ Petition stands disposed of.

There shall be no order as to costs.

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41780

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASR. Vijayakumar, JM. Vadivel – AppellantVersusSuperintendent of Police – RespondentWrit Petition

The High Court may grant a Writ of Mandamus to permit temple cultural programs provided they comply with timely conduct and public decency standards.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
R. Vijayakumar, J
M. Vadivel – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
Writ Petition