T. RAVI Vs. THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition has been filed by the petitioner, seeking for the issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the order No.02/D1PS/2017 dated 10.06.2017, quash the same and consequently permit the petitioner to conduct public meeting on 17.6.2017 at 5.00 p.m. Near Sirkazhi Town Old Bus Stand or any subsequent days.

(2.) The petitioner is a public spirited person and belongs to an Organization, called "Makkal Athikaram". According to the petitioner, the said organization has been espousing the cause of public interest in all matters of concern, like farmers' welfare, illegal sand mining and quarrying, etc., According to the petitioner, the organization has been conducting public meetings and organizing the protests peacefully without disturbing the public order and tranquillity, highlighting the various public issues, seeking attention of the public at large.

(3.) According to the petitioner, they have approached the respondents with an application, seeking permission to hold a public meeting on 17.6.2017 at 5.00 p.m. near Sirkazhi Town Old Bus Stand. In the said place, several political and public meeting were permitted earlier by the respondents and such meetings did take place and no disturbance had been caused to the movement of the public and no public interest was affected. According to the petitioner, without considering the earnest request made by the Organization for conducting the meeting, the second respondent, by his proceedings dated 10.6.2017, refused to grant permission on the ground that the conduct of the meeting would result in law and order situation and as per Sec. 30(2) of the Police Act, no permission can be granted for the conduct of the meeting. The said proceedings of the second respondent, was put to challenge in the present Writ Petition.