In the aftermath of the 2013 Marakkanam violence, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa held the Madras High Court responsible for allowing the Vanniyar Sangam’s Chitra Pournami festival rally, which she said led to widespread clashes and destruction of public property.

Clashes Erupt After Chitra Pournami Festival

In April 2013, violent clashes broke out at Marakkanam, located near Chennai, after midnight when Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) supporters were returning from the Vanniyar Sangam’s Chitra Pournami festival held in Mamallapuram.

A group of PMK volunteers allegedly confronted residents of a Scheduled Caste hamlet, sparking violent confrontations. The situation quickly escalated, forcing the police to open fire in the air to disperse the crowd.

Large-Scale Destruction and Arrests

During the unrest, several houses were set on fire, and public property worth crores of rupees was damaged. Jayalalithaa condemned the incident, stating that the violence was a direct result of the court’s decision to allow the rally despite security concerns.

Following the clashes, police arrested several top PMK and Vanniyar Sangam leaders, including:

• S. Ramadoss – PMK Founder

• G.K. Mani – then PMK President

• ‘Kaduvetti’ Guru – Vanniyar Sangam Leader

• Anbumani Ramadoss – Former Union Minister

Their arrests triggered further violence across Tamil Nadu in the days that followed, resulting in continued tension between communities.

Jayalalithaa’s Strong Criticism of Court’s Role

Jayalalithaa, who was then the Chief Minister, expressed her strong disapproval of the Madras High Court’s decision to permit the Vanniyar Sangam rally, blaming it for the subsequent law and order breakdown. She emphasized that such permissions should consider the potential for unrest in sensitive areas.

Legacy of the Marakkanam Violence

The Marakkanam violence of 2013 remains one of the most significant incidents of caste-related clashes in recent Tamil Nadu history. It highlighted the fragility of communal harmony, the political influence of caste groups, and the challenges faced by law enforcement during large public gatherings.

Key Takeaways

• Jayalalithaa blamed the Madras High Court for permitting the rally that led to violence.

• PMK cadres clashed with Dalit residents near Marakkanam after the Chitra Pournami festival.

• Public property was destroyed, and top PMK leaders were arrested.

• The incident triggered statewide unrest, raising questions on security planning and judicial permissions.