Madras High Court lays down strict rules for temple festival programmes, banning obscene dances, double-meaning songs, political messaging, and undignified portrayals of women while allowing an orchestra for a Thoothukudi temple festival.
The court said temple cultural events must remain rooted in devotion, discipline, and public order. It directed organisers to ensure modest attire, with women performers wearing sarees, half-sarees, or chudithars with an upper cloth, and men wearing dhoti or pyjamas with an upper cloth. It also said children must wear fully covered clothing.
The order further barred vulgar dialogues, songs with communal overtones, and any performance that could disturb caste, religious, or communal harmony. The programme must end by 10 pm and be videographed in full.
The court made organisers fully responsible for maintaining decorum and warned that any violation could invite legal action. It also said police may stop the event if conditions are breached.
This ruling continues the court’s repeated stance that temple festivals must be protected from obscenity, political misuse, and cultural distortion.
Madras High Court imposes strict conditions on temple festival programmes, banning obscene dances, double-meaning songs, political content, and undignified portrayals of women.
Temple festivals must honour dharma, not dilute it.
