Players Club Coimbatore, v. The Superintendent Of Police,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 29.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HON-BLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR Players Club Coimbatore, Rep. By its Secretary, M.Sethupathi No.84, Vanoli Nagar, Bright Rose Garden, Pothanur Road, Chettipalayam, Malumichampatti - 641 201 Coimbatore District ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Superintendent of Police, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore

2. The Inspector of Police, Sulur Police Station, Coimbatore ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, or any other appropriate writ order or direction in the nature of writ forbearing the respondents from interfering with the lawful activity of playing 'rummy' (13 cards) without stakes or money by the members of the petitioner club, based on the representation dated 16.06.2025. 1/5

For Petitioner : Mr.T.Bashyam For R1 and R2 : Mr.R.Vinothraja Government Advocate ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed to forbear the respondents from interfering with the affairs of the petitioner club or its membersright to avail the facilities provided for playing rummy, skill games not involving any element of gambling and not to interfere with the card rooms of the petitioner's club situated at No.84, Vanoli Nagar, Bright Rose Garden, Pothanur Road, Chettipalayam,Malumichampatti - 641 201 Coimbatore District.

2. Heard Mr.Bashyam, learned counsel for the petitioner, Mr.R.Vinothraja, Government Advocate (Crl.Side), for the respondents.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the Petitioner is a sports club registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act No.XXI of 1860). The said Club is not involving in any gambling activities and only rummy is being played. It is only a game of skill and therefore, the Police authorities do not have any jurisdiction to interfere with the petitioner club which are providing 2/5

recreational facility to its members.

4. The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) submitted that normally, the Police will not interfere with the affairs of the club. If gambling and betting activities are taking place inside the club, the Police is entitled to interfere with the day-to-day activities of the club. Moreover, the petitioner has not obtained any license from the Municipality as required in law, to run the Club. Hence opposed the application.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court without going into the merits of the case, is inclined to pass the following order.

To run the recreation Club, the petitioner has to obtain prior permission from the competent authorities like Municipalities. After getting permission only, the petitioner Club can indulgence in playing cards, that too without any betting and gambling. If the Police finds that in the name of game of skill any gambling or betting is organised, then 3/5

the Police is entitled to act as per law.

7. With the above direction, this petition is disposed of. No costs.

29.08.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No ssd To

1. The Superintendent of Police, Gopalapuram, Coimbatore

2. The Inspector of Police, Sulur Police Station, Coimbatore N.SATHISH KUMAR, J., 4/5

ssd 29.08.2025 5/5