Judicial Analysis Court Copy Headnote Facts Arguments Court observation

2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 48344

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, J
Ramachandiran – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
WP Crl. No. 1323 of 2026

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: D.Manojkumar
For the Respondents: R.Ganesh Kumar

The court upholds the authority of police to regulate cultural programs in public spaces, while exercising judicial discretion to balance administrative restrictions with the reasonable conduct of public events.

Headnote:The petitioner challenged an order of the police authorities denying permission for cultural programs (music orchestra and devotional dance) at a temple. The court considered the constitutional right to freedom of expression and public order. It held that the original order was lawful, yet exercised discretion to modify the specific timing for one of the scheduled activities. Issues raised were whether the police could deny permission for religious and cultural processions and whether such denial violated constitutional rights. The court applied the ratio that while authorities must maintain law and order, reasonable time parameters for cultural events should be balanced against public convenience, resulting in a conditional grant of relief. The writ petition is disposed of with the modification of the timing for the scheduled program.

Table of Content
1. challenge to administrative denial of permission for temple cultural events. (Para 1)
2. judicial confirmation of administrative action with minor timing adjustment. (Para 2 , 3 , 4)

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records of the 2nd Respondent dated 04-06-2026 in Na.Ka.No.59/2026 and quash the same and consequently direct the 2nd Respondent police to grant permission and police protection to conduct Cultural Programs (Adal Padal Nigalchi) namely Music Orchestra on 09-06-2026 between 5.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. and Sakthi magathuva nadayam on 10-6-2026 between 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. in at Sri Mariamman Temple at Veppalampatti Village, Vaniyambadi Taluk, Thirupathur District on the basis of representation dated 02-06-2026.

For Petitioner(s): Mr.D.Manojkumar

For Respondent(s): Mr.R.Ganesh Kumar Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed by the petitioner challenging the order of rejection dated 04.06.2026, passed by the second respondent in Na.Ka. No.59 of 2026 and quash the same and consequently direct the 2nd Respondent police to grant permission and police protection to conduct Cultural Programs (Adal Padal Nigalchi) namely Music Orchestra on 09-06-2026 between 5.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. and Sakthi magathuva nadayam on 10-6-2026 between 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. in at Sri Mariamman Temple at Veppalampatti Village, Vaniyambadi Taluk, Thirupathur District on the basis of representation dated 02-06-2026.

2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate (Criminal Side).

3. This Court finds no infirmity or illegality in the order passed by the 2nd respondent dated 04.06.2026. Accordingly, the same stands confirmed. However, the time for conducting the programme viz. Sakthi Magathuva Nadayam on 10.06.2026 shall be extended between 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.

4. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

10-06-2026

Index: Yes/No

Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No

kas

Note: Office to issue order copy today

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 48344

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASG.K. Ilanthiraiyan, JRamachandiran – AppellantVersusSuperintendent of Police – RespondentWP Crl. No. 1323 of 2026

The court upholds the authority of police to regulate cultural programs in public spaces, while exercising judicial discretion to balance administrative restrictions with the reasonable conduct of public events.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, J
Ramachandiran – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
WP Crl. No. 1323 of 2026