A.Vaithiyanathan v. The State of Tamilnadu

ORDER Seeking to quash the impugned order passed by the third respondent dated 03.03.2026 and to direct the respondents 2 and 3 to grant permission to the petitioner to conduct the cultural event of "Karagattam" on 08.03.2026 in connection with 'Temple Thiruvizha' scheduled to be held from 08.03.2026 to 10.03.2026 at "Arulmighu Kaligaparameshwari Temple", Edamalaipatti Pudur, Trichy District, this writ petition has been filed.

2.By consent on either side, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3.The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner had made a representation before the third respondent seeking permission to conduct "Karagattam" on 08.03.2026 in connection with temple festival of "Arulmighu Kaligaparameshwari Temple" situated at Edamalaipatti Pudur, Trichy. However, the same was rejected by the third respondent. Aggrieved over the same, this petitioner has come before this Court.

4.The learned Government Advocate (Crl.side) appearing for the respondents, on instructions, submitted that in the name of 'Karagattam', they do not conduct 'Karagattam' at all, but it is only obscene 'Adal Padal' and only because of that, the impugned order came to be passed.

5.Heard the learned counsel on either side and carefully perused the materials available on record.

6.Karagattam is one of the most cherished dance format of Tamil culture. The 'Karakattam' dance, also known as Karagattam, is a traditional folk dance popular in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is performed as an offering to the rain goddess, Mariamman. The dance is characterized by its unique feature of balancing pots or pitchers on the dancer's head while performing intricate movements. This requires immense skill and concentration. Karagattam is typically accompanied by traditional Tamil music and involves vibrant costumes, rhythmic steps, and graceful body movements. Hence, this art form is deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu culture. Traditionally, Karakattam performers are known for their acrobatic skills, which include balancing water-filled pots on their heads while dancing. This symbolizes humility and dedication to the divine. However, the plight of the learned Government Advocate is that the dress code has become obscene in recent times from the traditional dress code for 'Karagattam' and has taken the form of Adal Padal. In this regard, this Court is also of the considered view that the traditional dance of 'Karagattam' should not be distorted either in the mode of dancing or in the mode of dressing up. In view of the same, the petitioner is directed to make a fresh representation to the third respondent forthwith and the third respondent police is directed to permit the petitioner to conduct 'Karagattam' alone on 08.03.2026. It is made clear that proper dress code as displayed in Tamil Movie- 'Karagattakaran' should be followed by the dancers while performing Karagattam.

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

06.03.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Rmk Note : Issue order copy on 06.03.2026 To

1.The District Collector, Tiruchirappalli District, Tiruchirappalli.

2.The Commissioner of Police, Trichy City, Trichy.

3.The Inspector of Police, Edamalaipatti Pudur Police Station, Trichy.

4.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. Rmk

W.P.Crl.(MD).No.1366 of 2026

06.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 06/03/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI W.P.Crl.(MD).No.1366 of 2026 A.Vaithiyanathan ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The District Collector, Tiruchirappalli District, Tiruchirappalli. 2.The Commissioner of Police, Trichy City, Trichy. 3.The Inspector of Police, Edamalaipatti Pudur Police Station, Trichy. ... Respondents PRAYER :- Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the impugned order dated 03.03.2026 passed by the third respondent and quash the same and to direct the respondents 2 and 3 to grant permission to the petitioner to conduct the cultural event of "Karagattam" on 08.03.2026 on the eve of Temple Thiruvhizha scheduled from 08.03.2026 to 10.03.2026 at " Arulmigu Kaligaparameshwari Temple", Edamalaipatti Pudur, Trichy District. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Dinesh Hari Sudarsan For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthikumar Government Advocate(Crl.side)