While allowing the organisers to conduct the Aadal Paadal Orchestra Program in connection with Sri Aathi Parameshwari Amman Temple, the Madras High Court has issued directions which prohibit the obscene depiction of women. The High Court further directed that double-meaning songs should not be played and the attire of the dancers performing in the program should be modest.

The High Court was considering a writ petition seeking issuance of a direction to the respondents to give the permission and protection for conducting Aadal Paadal Orchestra Program on June 23, 2026 in connection with Sri Aathi Parameshwari Amman Temple based upon the petitioner's representation dated June 13, 2026.

The Single Bench of Justice L. Victoria Gowri directed, “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.There should not be any kind of obscene dance or vulgar dialogues during the performance, by any of the participants.”

“The attire of the dancers performing in the said programme should be modest and should 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”, it further ordered.

M/s.Joseph Zinoson.J represented the Petitioner while Government Advocate (Crl.Side) S.Arun Arockiasamy represented the Respondent.

Factual Background

The Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu had issued two circulars bearing Rc.No.159539/Crime. 4(3)/2018, and Rc.007301/GenlI(1)/2019, dated April 9, 2019, wherein instructions had been given to the Inspectors of Police throughout Tamil Nadu for consideration of applications seeking permission for conducting the cultural program.

Directions

Permitting the petitioner to conduct the cultural program on June 23, 2026, from 7 pm to 10 pm in connection with the temple festival of Sri Aathi Parameshwari Amman Temple, Mukkani Village, Thoothukudi District, the Bench disposed of the petition with the following conditions:-

  • 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.
  • The program shall not extend beyond 10 p.m.
  • The music that shall be used shall be in sync with the precincts of the temple and double meaning songs should not be played so as to spoil the minds of students and youths.
  • There shall be no supply of alcohol or any intoxicating material by participants or audience in and around the area where the cultural program is scheduled to be held.

The Bench also directed that the actors/actress of the Adal Padal program wear proper Dress. “The entire programme shall be videographed”, it stated while also ordering, “The Police is empowered to stop the programme, if it exceeds beyond the permitted time.”

The Bench concluded the matter by granting liberty to the authorities to initiate such action as required under law in case of violation of any conditions.

Cause Title: Pichai Raja v. The District Superintendent Of Police (Case No.: WP CRL.(MD). No.3256 of 2026)

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Madras High CourtJustice L. Victoria Gowri

Tulip Kanth

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Tulip Kanth is an Assistant Editor at Verdictum having over 5 years of experience in the field of legal journalism and editing. She extensively covers judgments of the Supreme Court, High Courts as well as Tribunals. She has previously worked with a legal publishing website where she oversaw the work of other editors and has also created updates on notifications of different Government Ministries. She holds an English Honours Degree from SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi University and has completed her LLB course with specialisation in Corporate Law from Amity University.