Introduction
The Madras High Court Registry on 16 August 2026 issued a landmark revised administrative circular standardizing the ceremonial protocol for official state events, Independence Day, and Republic Day celebrations across the judiciary and public institutions in Tamil Nadu, formalising the exact sequence of the State Song, National Song, and National Anthem.
Ceremonial Sequence of Songs & Flag Hoisting
The revised protocol provides unequivocal clarity on the ceremonial proceedings:
- Order of Rendition: The State Song, 'Tamil Thai Vazhthu', must strictly be sung first at the commencement of the function.
- Pre-Hoisting National Song: The National Song, 'Vande Mataram', is rendered immediately after the State Song, prior to unfurling the National Flag.
- Post-Hoisting National Anthem: The National Anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', is performed strictly after the tricolour is unfurled and the national salute is presented.
- Federal Historical Legacy: The circular coincided with tributes paid to late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, whose persistent federal advocacy in 1974 secured the historic constitutional right for State Chief Ministers to unfurl the National Flag on Independence Day (previously reserved for Governors).
Key Facts
- Issuing Authority: Madras High Court Registry (Administrative Circular)
- Song Protocol Sequence: 1. Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Start) $\rightarrow$ 2. Vande Mataram $\rightarrow$ 3. National Flag Hoisting $\rightarrow$ 4. Jana Gana Mana (National Anthem)
- Historical Federal Milestone: 1974 achievement by CM M. Karunanidhi securing flag hoisting right for Chief Ministers
- Context: Harit Tiranga & 150 Years of Vande Mataram commemorations
Exam Perspective
For TNPSC Group 1/2/4 examinations, this topic covers State Symbols, Flag Code of India 2002, Federalism in Ceremonial Rights (1974 CM flag hoisting landmark), and High Court Administrative Directives.
Conclusion
The standardized circular seamlessly integrates regional linguistic pride with national constitutional symbols, upholding the highest traditions of cooperative federalism.