Madras High Court Allows Indu Makkal Katchi Members To Garland Ambedkar Statue On Condition That They Won't Raise Slogans, Wear 'Tilak' Or 'Kumkum'

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan gave permission to the party on the condition that the party members would not raise any slogans or speech against anyone, that they would not play any instrument, that they would not cause any hindrance to the traffic or general public, and that they would not wear “Kavi Dhoti” or Sandal Thilagam or Kum Kum or Vibhuti to the Statute

The party members had approached the court after the State failed to consider its representation for permission. The party members submitted that they wanted to garland the statue of Dr. Ambedkar on his 135^th Birth Anniversary.

The State opposed the plea stating that of permission was granted, it would create a disturbance to the public order and peace.

To this, the party submitted that they had earlier filed an undertaking stating that they would not raise any slogan/s and speech against anyone; not play any instrument; not cause any hindrance to the traffic or general public; not wear “Kavi Dhoti” or Sandal Thilagam or Kum Kum or Vibuthi to the Annal Ambedkar Statue. It was further submitted that though these undertakings were strictly followed, the State had not considered their representation.

Noting that the court had granted permission previously in similar circumstances based on undertaking, the court was inclined to permit the party to garland the statute since the party had agreed to abide by any condition imposed by the police.

Thus, the party was inclined to grant permission to the party members and its State President to garland the statute on 14^th April 2025 between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm with conditions. The court asked the party members to appeal before the police and travel in the vehicle provided by the police to the venue.

The court also made it clear that the undertakings had to be complied with and any violation of the conditions would be viewed seriously. The court added that in case of violation, it would be open to the police to initiate appropriate legal action as per law.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. S. Venkateswaran

Counsel for Respondents: Mr. A. Gopinath Government Advocate (Crl.side)

Case Title: A Arunkumar v. The Home Secretary to Government and others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Mad) 134

Case No: W.P.No.12879 of 2025