Mooventhiran v. The Superintendent of Police,

ORDER This petition has been filed seeking Writ of Mandamus, directing the 3rd Respondent herein to give permission for Puravi Eduppu festival and conducting Valli Thirumanam Nadagam, Karakattam and Aadal Paadal Program schedule to be held on 29.05.2026, 30.05.2026 and

31.05.2026 and give adequate police protection for peaceful procession idols in the temple festival and conduction of the programs considering the petitioner's representation dated 10.04.2026.

¶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.

¶3Heard either sides and carefully perused the materials available on record.

¶4Karagattam 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.

¶5In view of the above, this Writ Petition is allowed on the following conditions:-

(a) The petitioner is permitted to conduct Valli Thirumanam Nadagam, Karakattam and Aadal Paadal Program, on 29.05.2026,

30.05.2026 and 31.05.2026 from 07.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in connection with the temple festival in the petitioner's 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 attire of the dancers performing in the said programme should be modest and does not involve exposure of the midriff, thighs, legs or chest. Any violation of this condition shall result in legal action, including the arrest of the organisers and all members of the temple committee.

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

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

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

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

(o) It is made clear that proper dress code as displayed in Tamil Movie- 'Karagattakaran' should be followed by the dancers while performing Karagattam. In 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.

27.04.2026 NCC : yes / no Index : yes / no Note : Issue order copy on 30.04.2026 pnn To

¶1The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District.

¶2The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dindigul, Dindigul District.

¶3The Inspector of Police, Natham Police Station, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooL.oVICTORIAoGOWRI,J ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooopnn oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooORDER oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooIN oooooooooooooooooooooooooWPoCRL.(MD)oNo.2402oofo2026 ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooDateoo:o27/04/2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 27/04/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI Mooventhiran ... Petitioner Vs 1. The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District. 2. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dindigul, Dindigul District. 3. The Inspector of Police, Natham Police Station, Natham Taluk, Dindigul District. ... Respondents PRAYER :- To issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 3rd Respondent herein to give permission for Puravi Eduppu festival and conducting Valli Thirumanam Nadagam, Karakattam and Aadal Paadal Program schedule to be held on 29.05.2026, 30.05.2026 and 31.05.2026 and give adequate police protection for peaceful procession idols in the temple festival and conduction of the programs considering the petitioner's representation dated 10.04.2026. For Petitioner : Mr. M.Divakaran, Advocate. For Respondents : Mr.S.Ravi Additional Public Prosecutor