VIJAYAKUMAR AND Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE brief facts leading to these two petitions are that the petitioners are running their video parlour in places mentioned in the petitions since several years. There video games are considered to be amusement show or business of amusement being run under the licence obtained from the Police Dept. Even last year, they had made applications for renewal of their licence after a lapse of the time their licence was not renewed. Therefore, they had continued their business under the deemed licence as provided under sub-clause (8) of Cl. 4 of the Licensing Act. It is further contended that they have installed costly machines and also engaged 8 to 10 workers at their shops. They also claim that video games business is their only source of income. Such business of video games are being carried on throughout the State and more particularly in Bangalore City. This Court also granted deemed orders in favour of Amruth A. Idnani. Therefore, they apprehend that the respondents/police officers are misusing their powers vested in them as police officers and they are interfering with the business of video games and preventing them from carrying on business of video games. On occasions, they have held threats to detain the petitioners, their workers and the customers in custody. This is a high-handed and illegal act. They also contend that the respondents are causing seizure of machines and are detaining all the workers of the petitioners and their customers without registering any case. Therefore, they are seeking reliefs as sought in the petitions.

(2.) A copy of the petition is served on the respondents and the learned S. P. P. has filed objections.

(3.) HEARD the learned Advocates Sri Ravi B. Naik and Sri. Chandrachur appearing for the petitioners and the learned Addl. S. P. S. Sri S. S. Koti for the respondents.