The Madras High Court Bench here has refused to permit the use of orchestra for the consecration of a temple in Mimisal in Pudukottai district. It ordered that a Pattimandram (debate) and devotional speech alone could be organised as part of the three-day ceremony.
Disposing of a writ petition filed by an office-bearer of the temple management, Justice B. Rajendran recorded the submission of Additional Government Pleader R. Karthikeyan that he strongly objects to the use of orchestra and the plan to conduct cultural programmes as part of the ceremony.
After recording the objection, the judge directed the petitioner to submit a fresh representation to the police seeking permission for organising the Pattimandram and devotional speech programmes alone. On receipt of such a representation, the police should grant permission by imposing necessary conditions.
“In so far as the costs for police protection is concerned, it is for the respondent to decide whether it should be collected or not,” the judge added.
