WP CRL.(MD). No.2329 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated : 22/04/2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE L. VICTORIA GOWRI WP CRL.(MD). No.2329 of 2026 in WPMP CRL.(MD). No.563 of 2026 A.Raju ... Petitioner Vs 1. The Election Officer of 138- Andipatti Legislative Assembly and the Special Deputy Collector, Theni. 2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Andipatti Sub Division, Theni District. 3. The State of Tamilnadu Rep By the Inspector of Police, Andipatti Police Station, Theni District. ... Respondents PRAYER :- To issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records pertaining to the rejection order in Na.Ka.No.9706/2026/H1 dated 19.04.2026 passed by the 1st respondent and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to grant permissions and protection for conducting Adal Padal program scheduled to be held on30.04.2026 at 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm in connection with "Thiruvizha" of Arulmigu Sri 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2329 of 2026 Raja Kaliamman Thirukovil at Manthisunai Village, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District. For Petitioner : Mr. Manikandan V, Advocate. For Respondent : Mr.C.Satheesh for R1 Government Advocate (Civil Side) Mr.S.Ravi for R2 and R3 Additional Public Prosecutor ORDER This petition has been filed challenging the rejection order passed by the first respondent, dated 19.04.2026 with a consequential direction to the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct the Adal Padal program scheduled to be held on 30.04.2026 at 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm in connection with "Thiruvizha" of Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman Thirukovil at Manthisunai Village, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District. 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. 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2329 of 2026 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. 3. In view of the above, the impugned order dated 19.04.2026 is hereby quashed. This Writ Petition is allowed on the following conditions:- (a) The petitioner is permitted to conduct Adal Padal program scheduled to be held on 30.04.2026 at 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm in connection with "Thiruvizha" of Arulmigu Sri Raja Kaliamman Thirukovil at Manthisunai Village, Andipatti Taluk, Theni 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; 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2329 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. (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; 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2329 of 2026 (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. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. 22.04.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Note: Issue order copy on 22.04.2026. pnn 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP CRL.(MD). No.2329 of 2026 L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J pnn To 1. The Election Officer of 138- Andipatti Legislative Assembly and the Special Deputy Collector, Theni. 2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Andipatti Sub Division, Theni District. 3. The Inspector of Police, Andipatti Police Station, Theni District. 4. The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai. ORDER IN WP CRL.(MD) No.2329 of 2026 Date : 22/04/2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis