Karuthapandi, v. The Inspector Of Police

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 23.08.2017

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE S.S.SUNDAR W.P.(MD) No. 15820 of 2017 Karuthapandi ... Petitioner -VsThe Inspector of Police, Oothumalai Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to permit the petitioner to conduct "Adal Padal" cultural program in Arulmighu Karuppasamy Temple, Markkudi Village, Ukkirankottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District on 07.09.2017 from 06.00 P.M. to 12.00 P.M., onward and to provide adequate police protection. For Petitioner : Mr.T.Lenin Kumar For Respondent : Mr.A.K.Baskara Pandian Special Government Pleader.

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 respondent to permit the petitioner to conduct "Adal Padal" cultural program in Arulmighu Karuppasamy Temple, Markkudi Village, Ukkirankottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District on 07.09.2017 from 06.00 P.M. to 12.00 P.M., onward and to provide adequate police protection.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the villagers jointly decided to conduct "Adal Padal" programme on 07.09.2017 from 06.00 P.M. to 12.00 P.M., at Arulmighu Karuppasamy Temple, Markkudi Village, Ukkirankottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

He further submitted that in this connection, a representation was given to the second respondent on 11.08.2017, 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 respondent/The Inspector of Police, Oothumalai Police Station, Tirunelveli District, is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner, dated 11.08.2017 and to give permission and to provide police protection for "Adal Padal" programme in connection with yearly festival of Arulmighu Karuppasamy Temple, Markkudi Village, Ukkirankottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District.. scheduled to be held on 07.09.2017, subject to the following conditions;

(a) the "Adal Padal" programme in connection with the yearly festival of at Arulmighu Karuppasamy Temple, Markkudi Village, Ukkirankottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District, scheduled to be held on 07.09.2017 should be completed before 10.30 p.m. or within the time permitted by the second respondent.

(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 the 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, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar(RTI) /True Copy/ Sub Assistant Registrar To The Inspector of Police, Oothumalai Police Station, Tirunelveli District.

+1cc to M/S.T.Lenin Kumar, Advocate SR.No. 74485 +1cc to Special Government Pleader, SR.No. 74653 W.P.(MD) No. 15820 of 2017 23.08.2017 LS/MM JM/SV/SAR 2/31.08.2017/3P/4C