Title: Madras High Court Grants Permission for Ganesha Idol Placement and Processions in Tamil Nadu
Published: 13th Sep, 2023 at 1:37 AM
Updated: about 13 hours ago
On the occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi, the Hindu People’s Party submitted a petition to the local police station seeking permission for idol worship and processions at various locations in Tamil Nadu. The petitions included 22 places in Kaundhapadi, Erode district, 13 places under Gunnathur police station in Tirupur district, and 16 places in Sirumuga, Coimbatore.
After their initial rejection, petitions were filed in the Madras High Court, seeking permission to place Ganesha idols and hold processions. Today, these petitions were brought before Justice Anand Venkatesh. Additional Criminal Advocate Damodaran, representing the police, informed the court that the Government of Tamil Nadu had issued an order allowing organizations to display the Ganesha statues. He further assured that the local police would consider law and order issues before granting permission for idol installations.
Justice Anand Venkatesh addressed concerns surrounding the petitions. He mentioned that idols would be permitted in locations where they were placed last year, and specifically, a petitioner from Annur, Erode district, sought permission to place the idol in Sirumuga, Coimbatore district. In his order, the judge made it clear that petitions contravening the Tamil Nadu government’s order would not be accepted.
Furthermore, Justice Venkatesh expressed his opinion on the matter. He stated, “Ganesha did not ask to keep the idol and take it in a procession,” questioning the true benefits of such celebrations for the people. He also implied that politics was being played out over the Ganesha festival, emphasizing that these were his personal views.
With the Madras High Court’s ruling, the Hindu People’s Party and other organizations have been granted permission to install Ganesha idols and conduct processions at the designated locations. As Tamil Nadu prepares for the festive celebrations, authorities will prioritize ensuring law and order while promoting religious harmony.