C.Jothilingam, v. The Inspector Of Police ,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 26.10.2017

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.S.SUNDAR W.P.(MD) No.19707 of 2017 C.Jothilingam ... Petitioner -VsThe Inspector of Police, Cholavandan Police Station, Madurai District.

... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent to grant permission to permit the program of Aadal Paadal on 01.11.2017 at night 08.00 pm to 12.00 am in Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, situated at Sithalangudi, Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District and to provide adequate police protection based on the petitioner's representation dated 21.10.2017.

For Petitioner : Mr.S.Bharathi For Respondent : Mr.D.Muruganantham Additional Government Pleader.

O R D E R

This Writ petition has been filed for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent to grant permission to permit the program of Aadal Paadal on 01.11.2017 at night 08.00 pm to 12.00 am in Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, situated at Sithalangudi, Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District and to provide adequate police protection based on the petitioner's representation dated 21.10.2017.

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 "Aadal Paadal" on 01.11.2017 in connection with temple festival in Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, situated at Sithalangudi, Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District. He further submitted that in this connection, a representation was given to the respondent on 21.10.2017, 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 Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent submitted that this Court may grant permission for conducting "Aadal Paadal" 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, Cholavandan Police Station, Madurai District, is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner, dated 21.10.2017 and to give permission and provide police protection for "Aadal Paadal" in connection with temple festival in Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, situated at Sithalangudi, Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District, scheduled to be held on 01.11.2017, subject to the following conditions; (a) the "Aadal Paadal" program in connection with temple festival of Arulmigu Muthalamman Thirukovil, situated at Sithalangudi, Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District, scheduled to be held on 01.11.2017, should be completed before 10.30 p.m or as may be directed by the respondent police.

(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) there should not be any Flex Boards representing any community or political leaders;

(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. No costs. Sd/- Assistant Registrar /True Copy/ Sub Assistant Registrar To The Inspector of Police, Cholavandan Police Station, Madurai District.

+1cc to M/s. S.BHARATHI Advocate in SR. No. 83880 +1cc to THE SPECIAL GOVERNMENT PLEADER in SR. No. 83912 CMR JS/KK/SAR.4/31.10.2017/3P-4C W.P.(MD) No.19707 of 2017 26.10.2017