The court grants authority to police to regulate and permit cultural programs at religious festivals, provided such events adhere to specific time constraints, public peace requirements, and departmental circulars to prevent law and order issues.

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and police protection for conducting Adal Padal programme on 02.06.2026 to 05.06.2026 in connection with “Arulmigu Sri Mariamman Thirukovil Vaikasi Festival” situated at No.5/18, Keezhapandavarmangalam, Woraiyur, Trichy District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 12.05.2026.

2. Mr.S.Siva Subramanian, learned Counsel appearing for the State (crl.side) takes notice for the respondents. By consent, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner would submit that the writ petitioner has submitted a representation, on 12.05.2026, to the first respondent seeking permission to conduct the temple festival and “Aadal Paadal” programme on 02.06.2026 to 05.06.2026 and that since no order was passed, the writ petitioner has come before this Court for the above said relief.

4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents would submit that they may be permitted to conduct the Aadal Paadal programme on 02.06.2026 to 05.06.2026 from 06.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. and the organizers may be directed to follow the conditions to be imposed.

5. At this juncture, the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner would submit that they will follow the directions to be imposed by the Court as well as the respondent police.

6. It is brought to the notice of this Court that the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, Chennai had issued a circular memorandum in Rc.No. 007301/Genl.I(1)/2019, dated 09.04.2019, along with instructions to the Inspectors of Police throughout Tamil Nadu for consideration of applications seeking permission for conducting cultural programme. Therefore, the first respondent is directed to consider the writ petitioner’s representation dated 12.05.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law. In the event of permission being granted, the writ petitioner shall strictly adhere to the Circular issued by the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu / Head of Police Force, Chennai, in Rc.No.007301/Genl.I(1)/2019, dated 09.04.2019, and comply with all other conditions imposed by the police authorities. The respondent police shall also impose the following conditions in addition to any other conditions that may be imposed by them;

(a) The programme shall be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner without causing any disturbance to public peace and tranquility or giving rise to any law and order problem;

(b) No obscene dance performance, vulgar dialogues or double meaning songs shall be played or performed during the programme;

(c) The cultural programme shall be conducted strictly between 06.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.;

(d) In the event of violation of any of the above conditions, the respondent police or any officer duly authorised by them shall be at liberty to take appropriate action in accordance with law, including stopping the programme forthwith.

7. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.