DK holds 'thaali' removal function, HC stays event

The controversial 'Mangalsutra (Thaali) removal function', organised by the Dravidar Kazhagam, was held early this morning before the Madras High Court ordered a stay on organising of the event.
"The function was held in accordance with the permission granted (by a single judge of the High Court yesterday)," DK President K Veeramani told reporters here.
"About 25 women removed their thaali voluntarily," he said, adding, they had donated the gold to the DK.
A woman participant said she felt "relieved" as she saw it as only as a "symbol of insult."
"There will be no problem for me if there is no thaali tied around my neck," she said.

Several participants attired in black were seen at the function.

However, the High Court, which took up hearing of the state government appeal against the single judge order, ordered stay on the 'Mangalsutra removal and beef banquet' function.
The court was informed about the holding of the 'thaali' removal function this morning when it met for the day. The 'beef banquet' was scheduled to be held this evening.
Quashing orders banning the event by DK today, Justice D Hari Paranthaman had yesterday allowed its conduct, holding that preserving the rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including freedom of expression, was its priority.

Hearing an appeal filed by the state government challenging the order, a division bench today said: "The question raised in the appeal is substantial and public importance as to whether Fundamental Right, Freedom of Speech and Expression and also to assemble peacefully be permitted to an extent of destroying the fabric and ethos of Indian Culture causing law and order problem in the light of availability of proper enactment under Article 19(2) (3) of Constitution of India. Hence we admit writ appeal."
"Single judge order is stayed," the bench, comprising justices Satish K. Agnihotri and M. Venugopal, said at a special sitting at the residence of justice Agnihotri.

The matter pertains to a petition filed by DK against the orders of Assistant Commissioner of Police restraining them from performing the function that was scheduled for today.