Thirumeni v. The Superintendent of Police

ORDER This petition has been filed challenging impugned order dated

17.05.2026 passed by the respondent no.3 vide proceedings in Na.Ka.No. 153/pnd ps/2026 and quash the same as illegal and consequently directing the respondents herein to grant permission for conducting cultural program scheduled on 08.06.2026 and 09.06.2026 between 06.00 pm to 11.00 pm in pursuance to the Vaikasi Festival of Sree Munnodiyan, Sree Ayyanar, Sree Vaduvachiamman Temple, situated at Vellaiyan Street, Chozhagankarai, Pappanadu post, Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur District on the basis of the representations dated 25.04.2026 and 10.05.2026 within a stipulated time period in accordance with law.

¶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.

¶3Even though, the petitioner has sought for permission to conduct the cultural program on 08.06.2026 and 09.06.2026, this Court permits the petitioner to conduct the cultural program only on 08.06.2026.

¶4In view of the above, the impugned order dated 17.05.2026 is hereby quashed. This Writ Petition is allowed on the following conditions:-

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

08.06.2026 from 07.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., in connection with the Vaikasi Festival of Sree Munnodiyan, Sree Ayyanar, Sree Vaduvachiamman Temple, situated at Vellaiyan Street, Chozhagankarai, Pappanadu post, Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur 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.

04.06.2026 NCC : yes / no Index : yes / no Note : Issue order copy on 05.06.2026 pnn To

¶1The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District.

¶2The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Orathanadu Sub Division,Thanjavur District.

¶3The Inspector of Police, Pappanadu Police Station, Thanjavur District.

¶4The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooL.oVICTORIAoGOWRI,oJ ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooopnn oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooORDER oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooIN oooooooooooooooooooooooooWPoCRL.(MD)oNo.2935oofo2026 ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooDateoo:o04/06/2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 04/06/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI Thirumeni ... Petitioner Vs 1. The Superintendent of Police, Thanjavur District. 2. The Deputy Superintendent Of Police, Orathanadu Sub Division, Thanjavur District. 3. The Inspector of Police, Pappanadu Police Station, Thanjavur District. ... Respondents PRAYER :- To call for the records pertaining to the impugned order dated 17.05.2026 passed by the respondent no.3 vide proceedings in Na.Ka.No. 153/pnd ps/2026 and quash the same as illegal and consequently directing the respondents herein to grant permission for conducting cultural program scheduled on 08.06.2026 and 09.06.2026 between 06.00 pm to 11.00 pm in pursuance to the Vaikasi Festival of Sree Munnodiyan, Sree Ayyanar, Sree Vaduvachiamman Temple, situated at Vellaiyan Street, Chozhagankarai, Pappanadu post, Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur District on the basis of the representations dated 25.04.2026 and 10.05.2026 within a stipulated time period in accordance with law. For Petitioner : Mr. C.Senthil Murugan, Advocate. For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy Counsel for State of TN (Crl.Side)