The controversial 'Mangalsutra (Thaali) removal function', organised by the Dravidar Kazhagam, was held early this morning before the Madras High Court ordered a stay on organising of the event.

"The function was held in accordance with the permission granted (by a single judge of the High Court yesterday)," DK President K Veeramani said.

"About 25 women removed their thaali voluntarily," he said, adding, they had donated the gold to the DK. A woman participant said she felt "relieved" as she saw it as only as a "symbol of insult."

"There will be no problem for me if there is no thaali tied around my neck," she said.

Several participants attired in black were seen at the function. However, the High Court, which took up hearing of the state government appeal against the single judge order, ordered stay on the 'Mangalsutra removal and beef banquet' function.