Read Time: 05 minutes

Synopsis

The Madras High Court recently observed that the dances performed by paid dancers at Dussehra celebration on non devotional songs exhibiting obscene and vulgar postures make mockery of the traditional culture & customs and denigrates Hindu religious sentiments. 

The bench of Justice R Mahadevan and Justice J Sathya Narayana Prasad was hearing a Public Interest Litigation plea pertaining to the dance performances on Kuthu Pattu songs (dance numbers) at Arultharum Mutharamman Thirukovil, Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi District.

The petitioner sought strict action under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code against the organisers of Dasara groups, sound hire service providers, members of Dasara groups and paid dance performers who indulge in such activities. 

It was petitioner's case that vulgar and obscene dance performances in the name of Dasara festivities must be prohibited to protect the traditional culture, traditional viradham system and religious sentiments of lakhs of devotees of Arultharum Mutharamman.

To substantiate his plea, the petitioner filed several photographs relating to Dasara celebration all over India including Tamil Nadu. Though some photographs showed traditional culture and customs, photographs of Kulasekaranpatinam Dasara celebration showed devotees observing viradham and watching these obscene dances.

Taking note of the same, court opined that since such activities had taken place during the earlier Dasara festival in the years 2017 and 2018, therefore, the apprehension of the petitioner that similar obscene and vulgar dances may take place in the upcoming festival as well, was well founded.

However, considering the submission made by the Additional Public Prosecutor that instructions by the State Police with regard to the procedures to be followed while granting permission to conduct cultural events, sports events, procession/meeting etc along with directives of the court in an earlier case pertaining to the same issue are already in place, court disposed of the present petition with following directions:

1) Respondents to ensure that Circular Memorandum in Rc. 007301/Genl I (1)/2019 dated 09.04.2019 and the directives of the Division Bench in W.P(MD)No.16077 of 2017 dated 31.08.2017 are followed in letter and spirit in the forthcoming Dasara festival of Arultharum Mutharamman Thirukovil at Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi District.

2) The obscene and vulgar dance performance should be specifically prohibited by the Police authorities in the forthcoming festival.

3) If anyone violates the same, appropriate action shall be taken against them in line with the abovesaid Circular Memorandum. 

Case Title: B.Ramkumar Adityan v District Collector