R.Kalimuthu v. The Superintendent of Police

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and adequate police protection for conducting the Vaikasi Pongal Festival and connected cultural programmes of Arulmigu Sri Kandiyamman Temple from 02.06.2026, 09.06.2026 to 12.06.2026 at Kandiyapuram Village, Virudhunagar District including use of melam thalam, sound system, loud speakers and lighting effects, by considering the writ petitioner's representation dated 08.04.2026, within a time frame fixed by this Court.

¶2Mr.S.Sivasubramanian, learned Counsel for State of TN (Criminal Side) takes notice for the respondents.

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner would submit that the writ petitioner has submitted a representation dated 08.04.2026 seeking permission to conduct flag hoisting ceremony on 02.06.2026, sakthi kidai vettuthal ceremony on 09.06.2026, karagattam dance programme on 10.06.2026 and music concert programme on 11.06.2026 and 12.06.2026, that in pursuance of the direction of this Court dated 27.05.2026, they have submitted an undertaking affidavit sworn by the writ petitioner stating that the entire programmes will be conducted peacefully without causing any disturbance to public peace, communal harmony, law and order or inconvenience to the general public and based on which, the third respondent has issued proceedings dated 28.05.2026 granting permission to conduct the programme with conditions and that now they are restricting to conduct the music concert for one day i.e., on 11.06.2026.

¶4It is brought to the notice of this Court that the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, has issued a Circular Memorandum in Rc.No. 007301/Genl.I(1)/2019, dated 09.04.2019, prescribing guidelines and instructions to the Inspectors of Police throughout the State for consideration of applications seeking permission to conduct cultural programmes.

¶5In view of the detailed circular and guidelines issued by the Director General of Police and taking note of the undertaking given on behalf of the writ petitioner that they would strictly abide by the conditions imposed by the authorities, there shall be a direction to the third respondent police to grant permission to the writ petitioner to conduct the programmes, subject to the following conditions, in addition to any other reasonable conditions that may be imposed by the respondent police:

(a) The programme shall be conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner without causing any disturbance to public peace and tranquility or giving rise to any law and order problem;

(b) No obscene dance performance, vulgar dialogues or double meaning songs shall be played or performed during the programme;

(c) The cultural programme shall be conducted strictly between 06.00 p.m. and 10.00 p.m.;

(d) In the event of violation of any of the above conditions, the respondent police or any officer duly authorised by them shall be at liberty to take appropriate action in accordance with law, including stopping the programme forthwith.

¶6With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

29.05.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No csm Note : Issue order copy on 01.06.2026 To

1.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.

2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sattur, Virudhunagar District.

3.The Inspector of Police, Alangulam Police Station, Virudhunagar District.

4.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. K.MURALI SHANKAR, J csm Dated : 29.05.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 29.05.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.MURALI SHANKAR W.P.Crl.(MD) No.2865 of 2026 R.Kalimuthu ...Petitioner Vs. 1.The Superintendent of Police, Office of the Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar. 2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sattur, Virudhunagar District. 3.The Inspector of Police, Alangulam Police Station, Virudhunagar District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and adequate police protection for conducting the Vaikasi Pongal Festival and connected cultural programmes of Arulmigu Sri Kandiyamman Temple from 02.06.2026, 09.06.2026 to 12.06.2026 at Kandiyapuram Village, Virudhunagar District including use of melam thalam, sound system, loud speakers and lighting effects, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 08.04.2026, within a time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : M/s.S.Meena For Respondents : Mr.S.Sivasubramanian Counsel for State of TN (Crl. Side)