WP CRL.(MD). No.2918 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 04/06/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI WP CRL.(MD). No.2918 of 2026 S.P.Shunmugam ... Petitioner Vs 1. The Superintendent of Police, O/o. Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi. 2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, O/o. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi. 3. The Inspector of Police, Kalugumalai Police Station, Kalugumalai, Thoothukudi District. ... Respondents PRAYER :- To issue a Writ of Mandamus or any other appropriate Writ or order or direction in the nature of Writ, directing the Respondents herein to give the permission and protection for conducting Aaadal Paadal Cultural Program on 05.06.2026 and 06.06.2026 at about 5.00 pm to 9.00 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2918 of 2026 pm in connection with the Kodai celebration of Sri Kodimarathu Petchiamman Temple situate Kalugumalai, based upon the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026. For Petitioner : Mr. M.Sridharan, Advocate. For Respondents : Mr.D.Rajaboopathy Counsel for State of TN (Crl.Side) ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking directing the Respondents herein to give the permission and protection for conducting Aaadal Paadal Cultural Program on 05.06.2026 and 06.06.2026 at about 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm in connection with the Kodai celebration of Sri Kodimarathu Petchiamman Temple situate Kalugumalai, based upon the petitioner's representation dated 26.05.2026. 2. It 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 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2918 of 2026 Police throughout Tamil Nadu for consideration of applications seeking permission for conducting cultural programme. 3. In view of the above, this Writ Petition is allowed on the following conditions:- (a) The petitioner is permitted to conduct Adal Padal program on 05.06.2026 from 07.00 p.m., to 10.00 p.m., and Katcheri / Musical Program on 06.06.2026 from 07.00 pm to 10.00 p.m., in connection with the Kodai celebration of Sri Kodimarathu Petchiamman Temple situate Kalugumalai. (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; 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2918 of 2026 (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. 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2918 of 2026 (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 04.06.2026. pnn 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2918 of 2026 L. VICTORIA GOWRI,J pnn To 1. The Superintendent of Police, O/o. Superintendent of Police, Thoothukudi. 2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, O/o. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi. 3. The Inspector of Police, Kalugumalai Police Station, Kalugumalai, Thoothukudi District. 4. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. ORDER IN WP CRL.(MD) No.2918 of 2026 Date : 04/06/2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis