The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has partially relaxed several restrictions imposed by the city police on the ‘Muruga Bakthargal Maanadu’/Murugan Devotees Conference, a large-scale Hindu religious conference organized by the Hindu organization Hindu Munnani, scheduled for 22 June 2025.
Court Modifies Police Conditions
Justice B. Pugalendhi delivered the verdict on two writ petitions filed by Hindu Munnani challenging the 52 conditions set by Madurai police. The organization had objected to six key restrictions, including:
- Mandatory vehicle passes for attendees
- Ban on vehicle processions
- Submission of participant lists in advance
- Permission from HR & CE Department and Madurai Corporation
- Complete ban on drone usage
The court upheld the vehicle pass rule but directed police to process applications within 24 hours and provide valid reasons for rejections. However, it struck down the requirement for submitting participant lists, noting that vehicle pass details would suffice.
On drone usage, the judge permitted two drones for event coverage, provided they remain within the venue. The conditions demanding HR & CE and Corporation permissions were deemed “irrelevant” and set aside.
The Tamil Nadu government and intervenors, including Makkal Kalai Ilakkiya Kazhagam, had opposed the event, fearing communal tensions. They cited past incidents, including a February 2025 agitation in Thiruparankundram, where Hindu groups protested alleged attempts to rename the sacred hill as “Sikandar Hill.”
Justice Pugalendhi referenced the Supreme Court’s rulings on maintaining communal harmony and warned against “mixing religion with politics.” He advised organizers to ensure the event remains strictly devotional and does not provoke unrest.
The conference, to be held near Vandiyur Toll Plaza, will feature miniature replicas of Lord Murugan’s six abodes (Arupadaiveedu), devotional chants, and cultural programs. While Hindu Munnani claimed self-managed crowd control, the court directed police to monitor traffic near the highway venue.
Hindu Munnani had initially sought permission to install Murugan idols and conduct rituals from June 10-22, but police denied approval, citing potential disturbances near residential areas and schools. The court, however, allowed the setup, noting that similar events (like HRCE’s Muthamizh Murugan Maanadu) had previously taken place without issue.
With the legal hurdles cleared, the stage is set for one of Tamil Nadu’s largest Hindu gatherings in recent years. The event is expected to draw lakhs of devotees, spiritual leaders, and political figures, including invites to CM Stalin, AIADMK’s EPS, and actor Rajinikanth.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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