Madras: Madras High Court Independence Day celebrations have drawn attention after the court decided that its August 15 events will begin with the National Song "Vande Mataram". The decision comes days after the Tamil Nadu government issued an order directing that "Tamil Thai Vaazhthu" be sung first at official state functions. The latest circular issued by the Madras High Court has sparked fresh discussion over event protocols, cultural traditions, and official ceremonies in Tamil Nadu. Madras High Court Issues Circular For Independence Day Celebrations According to an official circular issued by the Registrar General of the Madras High Court, Independence Day celebrations at the principal seat in Chennai, the Madurai Bench, district judiciary units, the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy, and institutions in Puducherry will begin with the singing or playing of Vande Mataram. Read also: Madras HC Clarifies Disability Rights: Madras High Court Says Fee Waiver Can’t Be Linked to PwD Quota Alone The circular states that the sequence of events will be: Vande Mataram Hoisting of the National Flag National Anthem The circular does not mention Tamil Thai Vaazhthu in the listed order of events. Tamil Thai Vaazhthu Protocol: Tamil Nadu Government's Earlier Order The development comes shortly after the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order directing that Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, the official state song of Tamil Nadu, should be sung first at government functions. The order was aimed at standardising the protocol for official events across the state. As a result, the Madras High Court's circular has attracted public and political attention because it follows a different sequence for the Independence Day programme. Political Debate Over Tamil Thai Vaazhthu Protocol The issue gained momentum after 21 Members of Parliament reportedly wrote to Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi. The MPs urged authorities to continue the long-standing practice of rendering Tamil Thai Vaazhthu at the beginning of university functions and government events. The matter became a subject of discussion following a convocation ceremony at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli. According to the MPs, the event began with Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem, while Tamil Thai Vaazhthu was rendered later. Why Tamil Thai Vaazhthu Is Important Tamil Thai Vaazhthu holds significant cultural importance in Tamil Nadu. The song was officially recognised as the State Song of Tamil Nadu in 2021 and has traditionally been sung at public functions for several decades. Supporters of the existing convention believe that beginning official programmes with Tamil Thai Vaazhthu reflects Tamil Nadu's cultural identity and heritage. What The Madras High Court Circular Says The High Court circular specifically outlines the official programme for Independence Day celebrations under the judiciary's jurisdiction. It clearly mentions Vande Mataram, flag hoisting, and the National Anthem as the approved sequence. As of now, no change to the circular has been announced. Read also: Thiruparankundram Deepam Controversy: Madras High Court Halts Contempt Action, Key Hearing Set for April
