M.Arulraj v. The Superintendent Of Police

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.01.2024

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SATHI KUMAR SUKUMARA KURUP W.P.(MD)No.697 of 2024 M.Arulraj ... Petitioner /vs./ 1.The Superintendent of Police Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2.The Inspector of Police Sivanthipatti Police Station, Tirunelveli District ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct Pongal Festival and its allied events such as sport events for the children Anna Dhanam Temple Pooja cultural events etc. at Government Open Stage (Kalaiyarangam) Anna Street , Sivanthipatti Village, Palayamkottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District, scheduled to be held on 15.01.2024 16.01.2024 and 17.01.2024 based on his representation in person dated 05.01.2024. For Petitioner : Mr.G.Thalaimutharasu For Respondents : Mr.T.Senthil Kumar Additional Public Prosecutor for R1 & 2 1/4

ORDER

The Petitioner has filed the above Writ Petition to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct Pongal Festival and its allied events, such as, Sport events for the Children, Annadhanam, Temple Pooja, cultural events etc. at Government Open Stage (Kalaiyarangam) Anna Street, Sivanthipatti Village, Palayamkottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District, scheduled to be held on 15.01.2024, 16.01.2024 and 17.01.2024, based on the Petitioner's representation, dated 05.01.2024.

2. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submits that the said Festival and related activities had been conducted continuously by another Group, by name, Valarmathi Mandram. While so, the Petitioner is attempting to conduct the said Festival through his Mandram. As per the report of the 2nd Respondent, the Petitioner is facing two criminal cases, for the offence under Section 302 I.P.C and also the Petitioner is a History Sheeter. Therefore, the Respondent Police had rejected the representation of the Petitioner.

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3. In the light of the submission made by the learned Additional Public Prosecutor, the Festival having been conducted all these years by Valarmathi Mandram, the action of the Petitioner, in intervening or disturbing the conduct of the Festival peacefully all these years, is unwarranted.

4. Hence, this Writ Petition is dismissed. The Respondent Police shall take appropriate action, if the Petitioner breach. No costs. Index : Yes / No 12.01.2024 Internet : Yes / No NCC : Yes / No.

Ls TO:

1.The Superintendent of Police Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2.The Inspector of Police Sivanthipatti Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

3.The Additional Public Prosecutor, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai.

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SATHI KUMAR SUKUMARA KURUP , J.

LS W.P.(MD)No.697 of 2024 12.01.2024 4/4