Periyapoovan v. The Revenue Divisional Officer/Election Officer,

ORDER Seeking to direct the 1st respondent to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting the cultural programme and Karakattam scheduled to be held on 30.03.2026 during night hours in connection with the Panguni festival of Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Ponnankannipatti Village, Musiri Taluk, Trichy District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 16.03.2026 and 23.03.2026., this writ petition has been filed.

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

¶3The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner had made a representation before the 1st and 2nd respondents seeking permission to conduct "Karagattam" on 30.03.2026 in connection with temple festival of Panguni festival of Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Ponnankannipatti Village, Musiri Taluk, Trichy District. Since the same was not considered, the petitioner is before this Court.

¶4The 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'.

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

¶6Karagattam 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, 1st and 2nd respondents are directed to permit the petitioner to conduct 'Karakattam' on 30.03.2026. It is made clear that proper dress code as displayed in Tamil Movie- 'Karagattakaran' should be followed by the dancers while performing Karagattam.

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

26.03.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No gbg Note: Issue order copy on 27.03.2026. TO:-

1.The Revenue Divisional Officer/Election Officer, Musiri, Trichy District.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Trichy District, Trichy.

3.The Inspector of Police, Musiri Police Station, Trichy District.

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

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J. gbg Dated

26.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.03.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI Periyapoovan ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Revenue Divisional Officer/Election Officer, Musiri, Trichy District. 2.The Superintendent of Police, Trichy District, Trichy. 3.The Inspector of Police, Musiri Police Station, Trichy District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st Respondent to grant permission and provide adequate police protection for conducting the cultural programme and Karakattam scheduled to be held on 30.03.2026 during night hours inconnection with the Panguni festival of Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple at Ponnankannipatti Village, Musiri Taluk, Trichy District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 16.03.2026 and 23.03.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Ponkarthikeyan For R1 : Mr.M.Muthumanikkam Government Advocate(Civil) For R2 & R3 : Mr.S.Ravi Additional Public Prosecutor