T.Jeyamurugan, v. The Superintendent Of Police
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 11.08.2017
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE S.S.SUNDAR W.P.(MD) No.15097 of 2017 T.Jeyamurugan ... Petitioner -Vs1.The Superintendent of Police, Tuticorin District, Tuticorin.
2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sathankulam Range, Sathankulam, Tuticorin District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Sathankulam Police Station, Sathankulam, Tuticorin District.
... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to perform the cultural programme (I.e.,) Adal Padal on 17.08.2017 at 07.00 pm in the eve of Arulmigy Devi Sri Mutharamman Kovil, Vijayaramapuram, Sathankulam Taluk, Tuticorin District, which is scheduled to be held between 11.08.2017 to 20.08.2017.
For Petitioner : Mr.J.David Ganesan For Respondents : Mr.A.K.Baskara Pandian, Special Government Pleader.
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O R D E R
The petitioner has come forward with this Writ Petition for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus seeking a direction to the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to perform the cultural programme (i.e.,) Adal Padal on 17.08.2017 at 07.00 pm in the eve of Arulmigu Devi Sri Mutharamman Kovil, Vijayaramapuram, Sathankulam Taluk, Tuticorin District, which is scheduled to be held between 11.08.2017 to 20.08.2017.
2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.
3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the villagers jointly decided to conduct "Adal Padal" dance programme on 17.08.2017 in connection with a festival in Arulmigu Devi Sri
Mutharamman Kovil, Vijayaramapuram, Sathankulam Taluk, Tuticorin District. He further submitted that in this connection, a representation was given to the respondents on 07.08.2017, with a request to grant permission and protection to conduct the programme on the above said date. However, the respondent police has not yet considered the said representation and hence, the petitioner is before this Court with this Writ Petition.
4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondent submitted that this Court may grant permission for "Adal Padal" programme subject to stringent conditions.
5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the Writ Petition is disposed of with the following directions: The third respondent/The Inspector of Police, Sathankulam Police Station,Tuticorin District, is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner, dated 07.08.2017 and to give permission and to provide police protection for "Adal Padal" programme in connection with Arulmigu Devi Sri Mutharamman Kovil, Vijayaramapuram, Sathankulam Taluk, Tuticorin District, scheduled to be held on 17.08.2017, subject to the following conditions; (a) the "Adal Padal" programme in connection with the Arulmigu Devi Sri Mutharamman Kovil, Vijayaramapuram, Sathankulam Taluk, Tuticorin District, scheduled to be held on 17.08.2017 should be completed before 10.30 p.m. (b) there should not be any kind of obscene dance or vulgar dialogues during the performance, by any one of the participants;
(c) double meaning songs should not be played so as to spoil the minds of students and the youth; (d) no dance or songs, touching upon any political party or religion, community or caste be played; (e) no flex boards in support of any political party or religious leader be erected;
(f) the function should not affect either religious or communal harmony and shall be conducted without any discrimination based on caste;
(g) if there is any violation of any one of the conditions imposed, the concerned Police Officer is at liberty to take necessary action, as per law and stop such performance;
(h) similarly, the Police is empowered to stop the programme, if it exceeds beyond the permitted time;
(i) the participants of the programme shall not intake any kind of in-toxic substance or liquor during the programme; and (j) if any untoward incident takes place, the organizers of the programme be made responsible for the same.
6. It is open to third respondent police to put any further restrictions or to impose any conditions purely in the interest of preserving public order and tranquillity. There can be a total ban for putting up any Flex Boards representing any community.
7. With the above direction, the Writ petition is disposed of. No costs.
Sd/- Assistant Registrar /True Copy/ Sub Assistant Registrar To 1.The Superintendent of Police, Tuticorin District, Tuticorin.
2.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sathankulam Range, Sathankulam, Tuticorin District.
3.The Inspector of Police, Sathankulam Police Station, Sathankulam, Tuticorin District.
+1cc to Mr.J.David Ganesan Advocate in SR. No.72180 +1cc to The Special Government Pleader in SR. NO.72577 LS/TRP JS/KK/SAR.2/17.08.2017/3P-6C W.P.(MD) No. 15097 of 2017 11.08.2017