Selvendran v. The State of Tamilnadu Rep by Its

ORDER This petition has been filed challenging the impugned order in Na.Ka.No. 08/26 Ka.Villakku dated 29.03.2026 by the 3rd respondent in pursuance to the temple festival namely "Arulmigu Sri Manthai Amman Temple" at Karuppadhevanpatti Village, from 07.04.2026 to 09.04.2026 in which Aadal Padal programe with light and sound service going to held on 08.04.2026 at 6.00 a.m.,to 10.00 p.m., and quash the same and further directing respondents to grant protection and permission to conduct the "Aadal Padal programme" on 08.04.2026 at 6.00 a.m., to

10.00 p.m., with light and sound service in pursuance to the temple festival namely "Arulmigu Sri Manthai Amman Temple"at Arappadidevanpatti Village, Theni District.

¶2It is brought to the notice of this Court that the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu issued two circulars bearing Rc.No.159539/Crime. 4(3)/2018, signed on 31.10.2018 and Rc.007301/GenlI(1)/2019, dated

09.04.2019, wherein instructions have been given to the Inspectors of Police throughout Tamil Nadu for consideration of applications seeking permission for conducting cultural programme.

¶3In view of the above, the impugned order dated 29.03.2026 is hereby quashed. This Writ Petition is allowed on the following conditions:-

(a) The petitioner is permitted to conduct Adal Padal program on

08.04.2026 from 07.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in Arulmigu Sri Manthai Amman Temple" at Karuppadhevanpatti Village.

(b) The organisers, who shall be the responsible members of the festival committee, shall ensure that only cultural programs having some relevance to the temple or the festival in question would be conducted and there shall not be any obscene display/dance being conducted;

(c) The program shall not extend beyond 10 p.m.;

(d) No women participating in the cultural program would be depicted or portrayed in an obscene or undignified manner either in the form of clothing or otherwise;

(e) The music that shall be used shall be in sync with the precincts of the temple and double meaning songs should not be played;

(f) There shall be no supply of alcohol or any intoxicating material in and around the area where cultural program is scheduled to be held;

(g) None of the songs or dances performed in the said programme shall exhibit any political tone, tenor, or colour, nor shall they relate to or promote any religion, community, or caste.

(h) Organizers shall not erect any digital banners/placards on either side of the arterial roads, platforms, walkways/major roads and any other roads;

(i) the function should not affect caste, religious or communal harmony and shall be conducted without any discrimination;

(j) the Police is empowered to stop the programme, if it exceeds beyond the permitted time;

(k) if any untoward incident takes place, the organizers of the programme be made responsible for the same;

(l) the organizers shall have to obtain all other required permission from the authorities concerned;

(m) Any other conditions as the authority concerned consider to impose according to the ground reality.

¶4In case of violation of any conditions, it is open to the authorities to initiate such action as is required under law and the persons who are the organisers/committee members shall be held responsible. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition stands closed.

07.04.2026 NCC : yes / no Index : yes / no Note: Issue order copy on 07.04.2026 pnn L. VICTORIA GOWRI,J pnn To

¶1The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Aundipatti, Theni District.

¶2The Election Officer, Special Deputy Collector, Aundipatti Constitution, Theni District.

¶3The Inspector of Police, K.Villakku Police Station,

¶4The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. ORDER IN WP CRL.(MD) No.1924 of 2026 Date : 07/04/2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 07/04/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI and WP MP CRL.(MD). No.481 of 2026 Selvendran ... Petitioner Vs 1. The State of Tamilnadu Rep By Its, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Aundipatti, Theni District. 2. The Election Officer, Special Deputy Collector, Aundipatti Constitution, Theni District. 3. The Inspector of Police, K.Villakku Police Station, ... Respondents PRAYER :- To issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus or any other writ or direction or order in the impugned order in Na.Ka.No. 08/26 Ka.Villakku dated 29.03.2026 by the 3rd respondent in pursuance to the temple festival namely "Arulmigu Sri Manthai Amman Temple" at Karuppadhevanpatti Village, from 07.04.2026 to 09.04.2026 in which Aadal Padal programe with light and sound service going to held on 08.04.2026 at 6.00 a.m.,to 10.00 p.m., and quash the same and further directing respondents to grant protection and permission to conduct the "Aadal Padal programme" on 08.04.2026 at 6.00 a.m., to 10.00 p.m., with light and sound service in pursuance to the temple festival namely "Arulmigu Sri Manthai Amman Temple"at Arappadidevanpatti Village, For Petitioner : Mr. C. Susikumar, Advocate. For Respondents : Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar for R1, R2 and R4 Government Advocate (Crl.Side) Mr.C.Satheesh, Government Advocate (Civil Side)