Central Government clarifies stance on Tamil Thai Vazhthu in Madras High Court

The Additional Solicitor General appeared before the Madras High Court to address a petition regarding the order of songs at government events in Tamil Nadu. The petitioner, Ananya Radhakrishnan, argued that the traditional practice of starting events with the Tamil Thai Vazhthu and concluding with the national anthem was being undermined by recent directives. The government representative stated that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has only issued instructions concerning the national song and national anthem, and has not mandated the placement of the Tamil Thai Vazhthu.

The court case highlights a tension between state-level cultural practices and central government directives regarding official event protocols. The petitioner sought a judicial order to compel officials to maintain the traditional sequence of songs. The government's clarification serves as a response to concerns that its existing notifications were intended to alter the established order of proceedings in Tamil Nadu.