The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday sought a response from the State to a public interest litigation petition challenging a G.O. issued by the School Education Department that placed a blanket ban on using school premises for religious events.A Division Bench of Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and R. Sakthivel was hearing a petition filed by Palamuthircholai Thiruvarul Murugan Baktha Sabai Trust, Madurai.The mechanical application of the G.O. virtually prevents the conduct of ‘Thirukalyana Virundhu’ at Sethupathi Higher Secondary School grounds. ‘Thirukalyana Virundhu’ was conducted on the occasion of ‘Thirukalyanam’, the Celestial Wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, as part of the annual Chithirai festival, the petitioner said.The event was conducted only once a year, during the vacation, and does not interfere with the educational activities of the school, the petitioner said. The court posted the matter for hearing to October 6. Published - August 24, 2026 10:57 pm IST