Temple-festival drama is permitted subject to safeguards and a strict 10 p.m. limit.

The petitioner challenged the Inspector of Police’s order dated 3 October 2026 refusing permission to conduct a “Nadagam” on 20 and 21 October 2026 as part of the Purattasi Pongal festival at Sree Santhana Mariamman Temple, Sithalagundu Village.

He sought quashing of that order and permission, with police protection, to hold the event

The Court was informed of two Director General of Police circulars—dated 31 October 2018 and 9 April 2019—containing instructions for considering applications to conduct cultural programmes.

Whether the Inspector of Police’s order refusing permission to conduct the Nadagam should be quashed

Whether the petitioner should be permitted to conduct the Nadagam subject to conditions governing the event

The Court referred to the Director General of Police’s circulars Rc.No.159539/Crime.4(3)/2018, signed on 31 October 2018, and Rc.007301/GenlI(1)/2019, dated 9 April 2019, which provide instructions to police inspectors for considering applications to conduct cultural programmes.

The Court stated no statutory provision or judicial precedent as the basis for its decision

Having been apprised of the DGP circulars, the Court quashed the refusal and allowed the petition, permitting the event subject to specified safeguards.

These included limiting performances to culturally relevant material, prohibiting obscene or undignified portrayals and double-meaning songs, ending the programme by 10 p.m., and prohibiting political or divisive content and alcohol.

The Court also authorised the police to stop a programme that exceeded the permitted time and made organisers responsible for compliance and any untoward incidents.

It permitted the petitioner to conduct the Nadagam on 20 and 21 October 2026, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., subject to the listed conditions and any other conditions imposed by the competent authority.

The Court stated that action under law could be taken for violations