Alagappan, S/O.Chinnaiah, President, v. The Superintendent Of Police
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 12.03.2021 CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE Mrs.JUSTICE R.HEMALATHA Alagappan
...Petitioner
/Vs./ 1.The Superintendent of Police, Pudukkottai and District.
2.The Election Officer/Sub-Collector (Special), Thirumayam Legislative Assembly Constituency, Pudukkottai District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Thirumayam Police Station, Pudukkottai District.
...Respondents
Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and police protection to conduct Sri Valli Thirumanam Drama scheduled to be held from 15.03.2021 to 24.03.2021 in connection with Arulmigu Sri Muthumariamman Temple Panguni Festival, Elanjavur, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District. For Petitioner :Mr.K.Baalasundharam For Respondents :Mr.A.Robinson Government Advocate (Criminal side)
ORDER
By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final hearing at the admission stage itself.
2.Mr.A.Robinson, learned Government Advocate (Criminal side) accepts notice for the respondents.
3.Mr.K.Baalasundharam, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is the President of the festival committee of Arulmigu Sri Muthumariamman Temple, Elanjavur, Thirumayam Taluk, Pudukkottai District, and that Sri Valli Thirumanam Drama is scheduled to be held from 15.03.2021 to 24.03.2021. His further contention is that he submitted a 1/3
representation dated 02.03.2021 to the second respondent seeking permission to conduct the said Drama, and the same was rejected by the second respondent contending that the petitioner cannot conduct Valli Thirumanam Drama from 10.00 p.m., to 05.00 a.m., for nine days. The learned counsel drew the attention of this Court to the orders passed by the Single Judge of this Court in W.P.(MD)No.7380 of 2019, dated 28.03.2019, in which, it is held thus: "....2.The petitioner is one of the Mandagapaditharar for conducting the petition mentioned festival. The petitioner wants to conduct drama programme on 30.03.2018 during night. Even though he submitted an application to the respondent, till date it has not been considered. Since the petition mentioned event is to be conducted only in connection with the Temple festival, Election code of conduct will not apply.
3.Therefore, the respondent is directed to give permission to the writ petitioner for conducting the drama incorporating appropriate conditions. It is submitted that the event starts around 10.00 a.m and would go upto the early hours. Therefore, while granting permission, the respondent shall not impose any restriction with regard to timings.."
4.In view of the above decision, the second respondent is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner once again and pass appropriate orders afresh without making any restrictions on the timings.
5.With the above observation, this petition is disposed of. No costs.
Sd/- Assistant Registrar // True Copy // / /2021 Sub Assistant Registrar(CS) sji Note :
In view of the present lock down owing to COVID-19 pandemic, a web copy of the order may be utilized for official purposes, but, ensuring that the copy of the order that is presented is the correct copy, shall be the responsibility of the advocate/litigant concerned.
2/3
To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Pudukkottai and District.
2.The Election Officer/Sub-Collector (Special), Thirumayam Legislative Assembly Constituency, Pudukkottai District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Thirumayam Police Station, Pudukkottai District.
+1 CC to M/s.K.BAALASUNDHARAM, Advocate ( SR-10732[F] dated 12/03/2021 ) 12.03.2021 MJ(CO) KK(12.03.2021) 3P 5C 3/3