Madras: The Tamil Thai Vaazhthu protocol controversy has reached the Madras High Court, with the court seeking responses from both the Union Government and the Tamil Nadu Government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The petition challenges the practice of rendering Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, Tamil Nadu’s official State Song, after Vande Mataram and the National Anthem during official ceremonies.
The case has reignited debates around constitutional protocol, state identity, and the place of regional cultural symbols in official government functions.
Details of Tamil Thai Vaazhthu Protocol Case
The PIL was filed after concerns were raised regarding the order in which songs were played during official events in Tamil Nadu.
Key Issues Raised in the Petition
- Tamil Thai Vaazhthu was reportedly played after Vande Mataram and the National Anthem during recent official ceremonies.
- The petitioner argues that this departs from Tamil Nadu’s long-standing tradition.
- The plea seeks restoration of the earlier practice where Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is sung at the beginning of state functions.
- The petition claims that the Union government’s advisory does not specifically address the position of officially recognized State Songs.
Tamil Thai Vaazhthu Protocol Case: What Did the Madras High Court Say?
A Division Bench of the Madras High Court, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan, has issued notices to:
- Union Government
- Tamil Nadu Government
The court has sought their responses regarding the issues raised in the PIL and the protocol followed during official functions.
Why Is Tamil Thai Vaazhthu Important?
About Tamil Thai Vaazhthu
- Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is the official State Song of Tamil Nadu.
- It was written by Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai in 1891.
- The Tamil Nadu government formally recognized it as the State Song in December 2021.
- It is considered a symbol of Tamil language, culture, and identity.
Traditional Practice
For decades, official state functions in Tamil Nadu generally followed this sequence:
- Tamil Thai Vaazhthu at the beginning.
- Official proceedings.
- National Anthem at the conclusion.
The petitioner argues that this practice respected both state and national symbols without conflict.
The Role of Vande Mataram
The controversy is linked to a 2026 Union government advisory regarding Vande Mataram.
What the Advisory Says
- When both Vande Mataram and the National Anthem are played, Vande Mataram should precede the National Anthem.
- The advisory focuses on the order between the National Song and National Anthem.
- Critics argue that it does not clarify where a State Song should be placed.
Legal Position
- Vande Mataram is India’s National Song.
- Jana Gana Mana remains India’s National Anthem.
- Existing laws specifically protect the dignity of the National Anthem.
- There is no separate law prescribing the exact position of State Songs during official events.
Read also: Justice GR Swaminathan Controversy: Supreme Court Seeks Tamil Nadu Government’s Reply on PIL
