Relax Recreation Club, v. The Superintendent Of Police
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED 16.02.2015
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE T.S.SIVAGNANAM WP.No.3796 of 2015 Relax Recreation Club by its President N.Balasubramani .. Petitioner
Versus
1. The Superintendent of Police Tiruppur, Tiruppur District.
2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Kangeyam, Tiruppur District.
3. The Inspector of Police Vellakovil Police Station Vellakovil, Tiruppur District.
.. Respondents Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a writ of mandamus forbearing the respondents from in any manner interfering with the affairs of the petitioner-club or its members right to avail the facilities provided for playing rummy, skill games not involving any element of gambling. For Petitioner :
Mr.S.Lakshmanasamy For Respondents :
Mr.S.Gunasekaran Government Advocate
ORDER
Heard Mr.S.Lakshmanasamy, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr.S.Gunasekaran, learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondents.
2. The petitioner seeks for the issuance of a writ of mandamus forbearing the respondents from in any manner interfering with the affairs of the petitioner-club or its members right to avail the facilities provided for playing rummy, skill games not involving any element of gambling.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner-club is a recreation club and their activities are lawful. However, the respondent-police are periodically interfering with their lawful activities under the guise of inspecting the premises. Hence, the present writ petition.
4. The petitioner and the members of the petitioner Club are entitled to carry on lawful activities within their premises and so long as their activities are not in violation of the provisions of the Public Gambling Act, 1867/Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930, they need not have any apprehension with the interference from the police authorities. However, if the police authorities have specific information or reasonable doubt that the activities carried on by the Club or its members are not in accordance with law or they indulge in unlawful activities, in violation of the provisions of the Public Gambling Act, 1867/Tamil Nadu Gaming Act, 1930 or any other enactment, it would be open to them, after recording reasons in the General Diary maintained in the Police Station, to proceed to enter the Club premises, conduct investigation, interrogate those who involve themselves in such activities and take appropriate action on merits and in accordance with law.
5. With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs.
Sd/- Asst. Registrar.
/true copy/ Sub Asst. Registrar.
vj2 To
1. The Superintendent of Police Tiruppur, Tiruppur District.
2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police Kangeyam, Tiruppur District.
3. The Inspector of Police Vellakovil Police Station Vellakovil, Tiruppur District.
C.C. to Mr.S.Lakshmanasamy Advocate, Sr.No.8026. C.C. to Government Advocate, High Court, Chennai.Sr.No.8437. WP.No.3796 of 2015 MSM(CO) KP(24.02.2015)