Madras High Court: The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Friday (April 28) directed the Madurai district administration to consider a petition demanding prohibition of liquor during the Chithirai festival. A BJP functionary has demanded closure of liquor shops in the district during Chithirai festival. On this petition, the Madurai Peeth has given instructions to the district administration.
The district secretary of the BJP, Vadi M Maha Suseendran, in his petition said that the crime rate increased by 1.3 percent around April. He argued that since Chithirai festival, which lasts for about 15 days, is attended by a large number of people, liquor shops, private shops and private establishments in the district should be closed for six days during the festival, i.e. from April 30 to May 5, to reduce the crime rate to some extent. Bars and clubs should be closed.
The court left the decision to the officers
While hearing the petition, a division bench of Justices R Subrahmanyam and Lakshmi Victoria Gauri said that the authorities have to decide and the court cannot interfere in it. The bench disposed of the petition while directing the authorities to consider Suseendran’s demand.
Holiday declared on 5th May
Earlier on Wednesday, the Madurai district administration had announced a holiday on May 5 on the occasion of the festival.
The world famous Chithirai festival has started with the hoisting of the flag on 23rd April. The main event of the ceremony will be held on May 5. The 12-day long festival at the Meenakshi temple features a number of events, including the Pattabhishekam of the goddess, which is to be held on April 30. The divine marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and Amman Sundareswarar will be held on 2nd May and the Rath Mahotsav will be held on 3rd May.
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