S.Vairavan v. State of Tamilnadu Rep. by the District Collector

ORDER This Writ Petition is filed seeking to direct the respondent No.5 to grant permission and police protection for conducting the 68th Annual Vaikasi Pongal Festival and cultural events including Valli Thirumanam Drama scheduled to be held on 12.06.2026 at Arulmighu Sri Dharmamuneeswarar temple, situated at Pudukkudiyiruppu, Iluppakkudi Village, Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 25.05.2026.

¶2The learned Government Advocate submitted that a peace committee meeting was conducted where the B party refused to attend the meeting. Hence the same was closed.

¶3Considering the situation in the temple, that had necessitated the conduct of peace committee meeting, which was closed due to non cooperation of one party, this Court is of the considered view that proper police protection should be afforded for the peaceful conduct of the said temple festival. In view of the same, the 5th respondent police is directed to afford necessary police protection to the temple festival, which is scheduled to be held on 12.06.2026.

¶4It 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.

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

(a) The petitioner is permitted to conduct Valli Thirumanam Drama, on 12.06.2026 from 07.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in Arulmighu Sri Dharmamuneeswarar temple, situated at Pudukkudiyiruppu, Iluppakkudi Village, Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District.

(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. 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.

09.06.2026 NCC : no Index : yes Note : Issue order copy on 10.06.2026 pnn To

¶1The District Collector, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

¶2The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

¶3The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Karaikudi Sub Division, Sivagangai District.

¶4The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District.

¶5The Inspector of Police, Alagappapuram Police Station, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District.

¶6The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooL.oVICTORIAoGOWRI,oJ pnn ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooORDER oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooIN oooooooooooooooooooooooooWPoCRL.(MD)oNo.3039oofo2026 ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooDateoo:o09/06/2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 09/06/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI S.Vairavan ... Petitioner Vs 1. State of Tamilnadu Rep. by The District Collector, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai. 2. The Superintendent of Police, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai. 3. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Karaikudi Sub Division, Sivagangai District. 4. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District. 5. The Inspector of Police, Alagappapuram Police Station, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District. ... Respondents PRAYER :- To direct the respondent No.5 to grant permission and police protection for conducting the 68th Annual Vaikasi Pongal Festival and cultural events including Valli Thirumanam Drama scheduled to be held on 12.06.2026 at Arulmighu Sri Dharmamuneeswarar temple, situated at Pudukkudiyiruppu, Iluppakkudi Village, Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 25.05.2026. For Petitioner : Mr. A. Ilayaraja, Advocate. For Respondents : Mr.K.Saravanan for R1 and R4 Counsel for Government of TN (Civil Side) Mr.D.Rajaboopathy for R2 and R3 Counsel for State of TN (Crl.side)