Madras HC Gives Madurai Police Until 12 June To Decide On Nod For Hindu Munnani's Murugan Conference

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Hindu Munnani’s planned Murugan Devotees’ Conference in Madurai has now entered the legal arena.

As per a report by Times of India, during a hearing on Monday (9 June), the Madras High Court directed the Madurai city police to decide by 12 June whether to grant permission for the large-scale spiritual event scheduled on 22 June, and to submit a report detailing their findings.

Titled Muruga Bakthargalin Aanmeega Maanadu, the conference is expected to attract over five lakh devotees. It will feature a mass recitation of the Skanda Shashti Kavacham, Thirupugazh, an audio-visual tribute to 108 Murugan devotees, and other spiritual programmes. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been invited as a special guest.

The case arose from a petition filed by Hindu Munnani state secretary S. Muthukumar, seeking approval to erect miniature replicas of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan (Aaru Padai Veedu), conduct Pujas to these miniature abodes and to use sound systems from 10 to 22 June. Muthukumar argued these replicas would allow symbolic pilgrimage for devotees unable to travel to the actual sites.

The petitioner argued that they had addressed all the questions and would provide further details if necessary. After hearing the argument, Justice B Pugalendhi allowed the miniatures to be installed but prohibited pujas until a police decision is filed.

The next hearing is slated for 13 June. The conference continues to draw sharp political reactions amid ongoing debates over religious expression and electoral strategy in Tamil Nadu.