In a recent development, the Madras High Court raised pertinent questions regarding the Tamil Nadu Police’s role in granting permissions for public events, particularly in response to a petition filed by Saravanan, the Secretary of the Patali Makkal Katchi (PMK), in the Chennai High Court.
Saravanan sought permission from the Ranipet Police Department for a bicycle rally aimed at promoting the policies of the PMK, including the campaign against alcohol. However, the police denied permission for the rally, prompting Saravanan to file a petition in the Madras High Court, urging an order for the police to reconsider and grant approval for the event.
During the hearing before Justice Jayachandran, concerns were raised about the disparity in granting permissions. The judge questioned whether the police, as a government agency, was acting on behalf of the general public or solely in favor of the ruling party. Justice Jayachandran asked, “Is the police for the people or the ruling party? When permission is granted to allow marathons and walkathons to be conducted, why cannot permission be given for a campaign that speaks against alcohol? Will the police give permission only to the ruling party? Who is the police for? For the general public? For the ruling party? They allege that if the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Department conduct raids, it is a central government agency. Whose agency is the Tamil Nadu Police acting as?”
The petitioner further emphasised the need for unbiased consideration of their request, highlighting the contrast between permissions granted for physical activities like marathons versus awareness campaigns against alcohol.
தமிழக காவல்துறை யாரு கட்டுப்பாட்டுலயும் இல்லை மை லார்ட்
ஜிவால் ஒரு டீம்.
இருப்பதிலேயே பவர்புல் டீம் அருண்-செந்தில் டீம்.
ராத்தோர் தனி டீம்.
சின்னவர் விசுவாசிகள் ஒரு டீம்.
மாப்பிள்ளை விசுவாசிகள் வேறு டீம்.
ஒரு பெரிய டீம் செந்தில் பாலாஜி டீம்.
பாதர் ஜான் டீம் தனி.… pic.twitter.com/OeyGKKoJlF
— Savukku Shankar (@SavukkuOfficial) November 9, 2023
Justice Jayachandran ordered the petitioner to submit details of permissions granted for processions and public meetings held in Ranipet the previous month. The case has been adjourned until November 2023, with a warning that the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) should appear in person to provide an explanation if permissions were selectively granted.
TN Police did not grant permission for RSS marches last year and this year on Vijaya Dasami day across the state.
(with inputs from Dinamani)
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