The Madras High Court has set aside a previous order which directed the Tamil Nadu government to impose a strict dress code for devotees visiting temples in the state.

“Prescribing a dress code for the devotees worshipping in temples was not an issue which arose directly or indirectly in the petition. There was no prayer by the petitioner seeking the prescription of a dress code. Therefore, there was nothing in the petition to be further adjudicated”, the court observed allowing an appeal against the previous order.

A single judge bench had in November prescribed a dress code for temple goers; dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal trousers and shirt for men, saree or half saree with blouse, churidhar with upper cloth for women and any fully covered dress for children.