Ajitha Agnel v. Joint Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.06.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C. SARAVANAN Ajitha Agnel ... Petitioner Vs.

Joint Commissioner, East Zone, Thoothukudi Corporation.

... Respondent PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records of the impugned order in Na.Ka.No.E1/0711/2025/E.Z. and quashing the same and subsequently directing the respondent to grant permission to place Thanneer Panthal in the same place where it was previously installed prior to its removal by Corporation i.e., East-Side to the entrance of Peraringar Anna Old Bus Stand, Tuticorin. For Petitioner : Mr.J.Suthakar For Respondent : Mr.N.Anand Kumar Standing Counsel ***** Page No. 1 of 4

O R D E R

The petitioner has filed this Writ Petition seeking to quash the impugned order passed by the respondent, rejecting the petitioner's request to put up a 'Thanneer Panthal' on the eastern side of the entrance of Peraringar Anna Old Bus Stand, Tuticorin.

2. The respondent has rejected the request on the ground that there are already two other 'Thanneer Panthals' at that location, and that the petitioner may put up a 'Thanneer Panthal' near the fencing of SAV Ground, situated on the western side entrance of the Bus Stand.

3. It appears that 'Thanneer Panthals' have become a platform for political parties to advertise themselves. There cannot be any unilateral selection of one political party over another in absence of any Rules/Guidelines for putting up 'Thanneer Panthals'. More particularly, no permission should be granted for garnering publicity of any political party if the intention for putting up 'Thanneer Panthals' is for service to the public. If the intention of the petitioner is to serve water in these 'Thanneer Panthals', the petitioner cannot demand for a specific location. Therefore, this Writ Petition lacks merit and is liable to be dismissed. Page No. 2 of 4

4. Therefore, the respondent is directed to ensure that 'Thanneer Panthals' are not used as a means for publicity and no publicity materials like political banners are displayed in the 'Thanneer Panthals'. If there are publicity materials in the 'Thanneer Panthals', they shall be removed forthwith.

5. This Writ Petition is dismissed with the above observations. No costs.

03.06.2025 JEN To Joint Commissioner, East Zone, Thoothukudi Corporation.

Page No. 3 of 4

C.SARAVANAN , J.

JEN 03.06.2025 Page No. 4 of 4