Madras High Court Lays Down Strict Guidelines for Temple Festival Cultural Programmes

The Madras High Court has laid down detailed guidelines governing cultural programmes conducted during temple festivals, directing that no obscene dances, vulgar dialogues or double-meaning songs should be performed. The Court also prescribed a dress code for performers and prohibited political and communal content during such events.

Justice L. Victoria Gowri issued the directions while allowing a petition filed by Pichai Raja seeking police permission to conduct an Aadal Paadal orchestra programme on June 23, 2026, in connection with the Sri Aathi Parameshwari Amman Temple festival at Mukkani village in Thoothukudi district.

Relying on earlier circulars issued by the Director General of Police regulating cultural programmes, the Court permitted the event subject to several conditions. It directed that only programmes relevant to the temple festival should be conducted and that women performers should not be portrayed in an obscene or undignified manner.

The Court prohibited obscene dances, vulgar dialogues and double-meaning songs, observing that the music played should be consistent with the sanctity of the temple and should not negatively influence students and youth. It further directed that the programme must conclude by 10 p.m.

A dress code was also prescribed. Male performers were directed to wear dhoti or pyjamas with an upper cloth, while women were instructed to wear sarees, half-sarees or chudithars with an upper cloth. Children's attire was required to be fully covered. The Court specifically directed that dancers' costumes should not expose the midriff, thighs, legs or chest, warning that violation could result in legal action, including the arrest of organisers and temple committee members.

The Court also prohibited political speeches, slogans, banners, caste- or religion-based content, communal songs, alcohol consumption and activities affecting public order or communal harmony. It directed that the entire programme be videographed, empowered the police to stop the event in case of any violation and held the organisers responsible for maintaining peace and complying with all conditions.