Mettur Classic Sports And Recreation Club v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 21.02.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN W.P.No.6027 of 2025 and W.M.P.No.6629 of 2025 Mettur Classic Sports and Recreation Club, represented by its President C.Murugesan, S/o.Chinnappan, D.No.70/206-D3, Nethaji Street, Pon Nagar, Mettur Taluk, Salem District 636 401.
... Petitioner Vs.
1.The District Collector, Salem District, Salem.
2. The Superintendent of Police, Salem District, Salem.
3. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mettur, Salem District.
4. The Inspector of Police, Mettur Police Station, Mettur, Salem District. ..Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for the issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondents 2 to 4 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, Mettur classic Sports and Recreation Club, Nethanji Street, Pon Nagar, Mettur Taluk, Salem District, more particularly playing the game of rummy, which is a game of skill.
For Petitioner : Mr. R. Thamaraiselvan For Respondents : Mr. P. Balathandayutham Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 Mr.K.M.D. Muhilan, Govt. Advocate (crl.side)
O R D E R
This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction directing the 1st respondents 2 to 4 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, Mettur classic Sports and Recreation Club, Nethani Street, Pon Nagar, Mettur Taluk, Salem District, more particularly playing the game of rummy, which is a game of skill.
2. Heard Mr.R. Thamaraiselvan, learned counsel for petitioner and Mr.P.Balathandayutham, learned Special Govt. Pleader appearing for 1st respondent and Mr.K.M.D.Muhilan, learned Govt. Advocate (crl.side) appearing for the respondents 2 to 4.
3. Learned Government Advocate (crl.side) 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. 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 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. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 21.02.2025 : Yes/No Speaking/non-speaking order msr To 1.The District Collector, Salem District, Salem.
2. The Superintendent of Police, Salem District, Salem.
3. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mettur, Salem District.
4. The Inspector of Police, Mettur Police Station, Mettur, Salem District.
G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN, J.
msr W.P.No.6027 of 2025 and W.M.P.No.6629 of 2025 21.02.2025