Madras HC Allows Hindu Munnani’s Murugan Meet With Modified Conditions, Emphasises Harmony And Order

In a much-anticipated development, the Madurai City Police granted permission for the Muruga Bakthargalin Aanmeega Maanadu to be held on 22 June, following directions issued by the Madras High Court.

The Madurai Bench of the Court, while hearing related petitions, modified several conditions imposed by the police and underscored the organisers’ responsibility to maintain communal harmony throughout the event.

Justice B Pugalendhi, hearing petitions from Hindu Munnani and opposing parties, upheld the constitutional right under Article 25 to freely practise religion but clarified that such freedoms must not threaten public order. “The exercise of religious freedom must be harmonised with communal harmony,” the court said.

The event, to be held at Amma Thidal near Vandiyur toll gate, includes poojas and miniatures of Lord Murugan’s six abodes. The court observed that the requirements for permission from from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Department and the municipal corporation as being mechanically imposed.

It upheld the condition on vehicle passes, requiring police to respond within 24 hours. It also approved the use of two drones, while directing that the speakers installed must adhere to the noise pollution rules.

As the event is to be organised beside a highway, the court stated that police may be deployed for traffic regulation.

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