The Madras High Court has ruled that freedom of speech and expression enshrined in the Constitution cannot be misused in the name of religion. The court refused permission to Bharath Hindu Munnani to conduct a religious procession related to the Tiruparankundram hill controversy, citing concerns over communal harmony.Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, while dismissing the petition, stated that allowing a particular religious group to carry “Vel” and sing devotional songs in a procession could disturb communal harmony in the area. “Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation, and the government must ensure peace among all communities,” the judgment read. The judge further noted that the State should prevent any harm to religious sentiments and maintain public order.Referring to the Tiruparankundram dispute, the court observed that there was no need for a procession as the State machinery had already addressed the issue. Allowing the event could provoke other religious groups, leading to tensions, the court ruled.The petitioner, S. Yuvaraj, deputy district president of Bharath Hindu Munnani (North Chennai), had sought permission for a procession from Ekambareswarar Temple to Kanda Kottam in Chennai, passing through Rasappa Street, Nainiappan Street, and Thanga Salai. He claimed that certain Islamic groups had referred to Tiruparankundram hill as Sikkandar hill and asserted their right over it, prompting the Hindu group to condemn the claim through the proposed march.Opposing the petition, State Public Prosecutor (PP) Hasan Mohammed Jinnah argued that the proposed route included narrow streets, busy commercial areas, schools, shops, and a railway station. He warned that such a procession could disrupt daily activities and disturb communal peace in an area where people of different faiths coexist peacefully.The court upheld the government’s stance, emphasizing the need to maintain law and order, and dismissed the petition.The Madras High Court has ruled that freedom of speech and expression enshrined in the Constitution cannot be misused in the name of religion. The court refused permission to Bharath Hindu Munnani to conduct a religious procession related to the Tiruparankundram hill controversy, citing concerns over communal harmony.Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, while dismissing the petition, stated that allowing a particular religious group to carry “Vel” and sing devotional songs in a procession could disturb communal harmony in the area. “Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation, and the government must ensure peace among all communities,” the judgment read. The judge further noted that the State should prevent any harm to religious sentiments and maintain public order.Referring to the Tiruparankundram dispute, the court observed that there was no need for a procession as the State machinery had already addressed the issue. Allowing the event could provoke other religious groups, leading to tensions, the court ruled.The petitioner, S. Yuvaraj, deputy district president of Bharath Hindu Munnani (North Chennai), had sought permission for a procession from Ekambareswarar Temple to Kanda Kottam in Chennai, passing through Rasappa Street, Nainiappan Street, and Thanga Salai. He claimed that certain Islamic groups had referred to Tiruparankundram hill as Sikkandar hill and asserted their right over it, prompting the Hindu group to condemn the claim through the proposed march.Opposing the petition, State Public Prosecutor (PP) Hasan Mohammed Jinnah argued that the proposed route included narrow streets, busy commercial areas, schools, shops, and a railway station. He warned that such a procession could disrupt daily activities and disturb communal peace in an area where people of different faiths coexist peacefully.The court upheld the government’s stance, emphasizing the need to maintain law and order, and dismissed the petition.