St.Antonys Church v. The Superintnendent Of Police

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 20.07.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.ANAND VENKATESH St.Antonys Church, Rep. by its Parish Priest, Fr.John Brito, S/o. John Stephen Aranthangi Kattumanarkovil, Taluk, Cuddalore - 608 301.

... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Superintendent of Police, Office of Superintendent of Police, Sethiathoppu, Cuddalore District.

2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sethiathoppu, Cuddalore District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Srimushnam Police Station, Srimushnam, Cuddalore District.

4. The Sub-Inspector of Police, Solatharam Police Station, Solatharam, Cuddalore District.

5. S.Chinnappan S/o.Selvarayar ... Respondents 1/4

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a writ of mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 4 to consider the representation/objections dated 09.06.2023 and consequently permit the petitioner's church to conduct the church chariot festival as per the norms practiced by the church for years to conduct the chariot festival in a peaceful manner.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Selvam For Respondents : Mr.A.Damodaran Addl Public Prosecutor[R1 to R4] *****

O R D E R

This writ petition has been filed for a direction to the respondents police to consider the representation made by the petitioner on 09.06.2023 wherein the petitioner has sought for permission to conduct the church chariot festival as per the norms followed by the church for several years.

2. When the matter was taken up for hearing, learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that a Peace Committee Meeting was conducted and both the 'A' party and 'B' party undertook that they will agitate their rights before the concerned Court and based on the final decision rendered by the competent Court, they will comply with the 2/4

same. The relevant proceedings conducted before the Tahsildar, dated 22.06.2023 was also produced before this Court.

3. In view of the same, there is no scope for the police to interfere with the issue. It is left open to the parties to agitate their rights before the competent Court.

Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 20.07.2023 Speaking Order/Non-speaking Order Index :Yes/No gm To

1. The Superintendent of Police, Office of Superintendent of Police, Sethiathoppu, Cuddalore District.

2. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Office of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sethiathoppu, Cuddalore District.

3. The Inspector of Police, Srimushnam Police Station, Srimushnam, Cuddalore District.

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N.ANAND VENKATESH, J.

gm

4. The Sub-Inspector of Police, Solatharam Police Station, Solatharam, Cuddalore District.

5. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

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