HC bans political, communal, religious and double meaning songs in temple cultural programmes

CHENNAI: While granting permission to temple cultural programmes i.e., Aadal Padal events in villages, the Madras High Court passed a slew of directions restraining the organisers from playing songs that give double meanings as well as have the political, religious, communal and casteist connections.

"While conducting the Aadal Paadal events in temples, double meaning songs should not be played so as to spoil the minds of students and the youth. No songs, touching upon any political party or religion, community or caste be played in the Aadal Padal programs," Justice AD Jagadish Chandira passed the directions on disposing of various petitions with same plea by residents from the villages in Tirupattur, Ranipet, Salem and Villupuram districts.

The petitioners wanted direction to the police to grant permission to conduct the Aadal Paadal program as part of the temple functions.

“Organizers should not erect any digital banners/placards on either side of the arterial roads, platforms, walkways/major roads and any other roads,” Justice Jagadish Chandira noted.

The judge also directed the petitioners to start and finish the event before 10 pm.

"The function should not affect caste, religious or communal harmony and shall be conducted without any discrimination. The participants of the event should not consume any intoxicating substance or liquor," the judge held. The court also directed the police to videograph the entire programme at the cost of the applicant and submit the CD to the SP concerned.

The court warned the petitioners that if any untoward incidents occur during the event, the police have the power to stop the event and initiate action against the petitioners.