Madras High Court Issues Notice to Centre on Playing Tamil Thai Vaazhthu

The Madras High Court in Chennai has issued a notice to the Central Government regarding the protocol for playing the state song, 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu', at government events. On Friday, the court directed the Union government to file its response to a public interest writ petition challenging a circular on the matter.

The first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, admitted the plea and ordered the Central Government to respond within eight weeks.

The public interest litigation was filed by petitioner Ananya Radhakrishnan. The petition challenges a circular that directs the playing of the national song and the national anthem before the Tamil Nadu state song, 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu', during official functions attended by the state governor.

In the petition, Radhakrishnan submitted that the affidavit was prepared with the utmost respect and reverence towards the national anthem, the national song, and the constitutional values that they represent. The petitioner further clarified that the legal challenge does not seek to undermine or diminish the dignity attached to the national anthem or national song in any manner.

The response from the Central Government is expected to influence the protocol for playing 'Tamil Thai Vaazhthu' at federal government programs held within the state of Tamil Nadu.