The Madras High Court has directed the Union and Tamil Nadu governments to file their responses to a public interest litigation seeking to ensure that government functions in the state begin with the Tamil Thai Vazhthu.
The petition follows criticism over the May 10 swearing-in ceremony of the Vijay-led cabinet, where “Vande Mataram” and the National Anthem were rendered first, and the Tamil Thai Vazhthu was played third.
The PIL was filed by Chennai resident Ananya Radhakrishnan, who argued that the Tamil Thai Vazhthu is not merely ceremonial but reflects Tamil people’s emotions, culture and identity. The petitioner also sought the quashing of a Union government circular that, according to the plea, insists on rendering “Vande Mataram” first.
The petitioner requested administrative directions to avoid future cultural friction by mandating that the Tamil Thai Vazhthu be sung first at government events. A bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan granted eight weeks for the Centre and the state to respond.
