Dharmapuri Friends Welfare Association v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 27.02.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P.No.7753 of 2025 Dharmapuri Friends Welfare Association Rep. by its President, A.Rajendran, S/o.Annamalai, No.8/278, Thellanahalli Village, Thindal Post, Karimangalam Taluk, Dharmapuri District.

... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.

3. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Palacode, Dharmapuri District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Karimangalam Police Station, Karimangalam, Dharmapuri District.

... Respondents 1/6

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the second to fourth respondents herein, their men and subordinates forbearing them in any manner interfering with the peaceful functions of the day-to-day affairs of the petitioner's Association/Club namely, Dharmapuri Friends Welfare Association, Thellanahalli Village, Thindal Post, Karimangalam Taluk, Dharmapuri District, more particularly playing the game of rummy, which is a game skill.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Thamaraiselvan For Respondents : Mr.P.Balathandayutham, Special Government Pleader (for R1) K.M.D.Muhilan, Government Advocate (Crl.Side) (for R2 to R4)

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the second to fourth respondents herein, their men and subordinates, to forbear from interfering in any manner with the peaceful functions of the day-to-day affairs of the petitioner's Association/Club, namely, Dharmapuri Friends Welfare Association, Thellanahalli Village, Thindal Post, Karimangalam Taluk, 2/6

Dharmapuri District, more particularly playing the game of rummy, which is a game of skill.

2. Heard the learned counsel for both sides and perused the materials available on record.

3. The learned Government Advocate (crl.side) appearing for the second to fourth respondents submitted that no complaint has been received against the petitioner so far and hence, there is no occasion for the respondents police to interfere with the running of the club. The learned Government Advocate (crl.side) also brought to the notice of this Court an earlier order passed in W.P.No.16835 of 2021 under similar circumstances on 08.09.2021 and for proper appreciation, the direction issued by this Court is extracted hereunder:- "5. In view of the above, the petitioner-s club is permitted to allow play of rummy etc., games without any monitory benefit or any other gambling activities. Further, the petitioner is directed to install CCTV camera in the entrance of the club, so that the activities of the club can 3/6

be recorded, and also directed to maintain attendance register with particulars of the members. The same to be produced as and when called for and sought by the 2nd respondent Police. The 2nd respondent Police can conduct surprise check without affecting normal functioning of the club activities and also take action if any illegal activities are found to be encouraged in the club."

4. This Writ Petition is disposed of in the above terms. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. No costs. 27.02.2025 Index:Yes/No kv To 4/6

1. The District Collector, Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.

2. The Superintendent of Police, Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.

3. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Palacode, Dharmapuri District.

4. The Inspector of Police, Karimangalam Police Station, Karimangalam, Dharmapuri District.

5. The Public Prosecutor, High Court of Madras, Chennai.

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G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.

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