LA SRI ARUNAGIRINATHAR Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition is admitted. The writ petition is taken up today for final disposal as requested by Mr. M. Ganapathi and as agreed to by the learned Advocate General.

(2.) This writ petition for mandamus, forbearing the respondents from preventing the petitioner from going on the foreign tour to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand and People's Republic of China with their personal staff. The facts which need not be dealt with in detail are as follows-

(3.) The petitioner is the 292nd Spritual Head of the Madurai Adheenam. He is taking an active interest in the Tamil language and culture and supporting the causes on the language issue in Tamil Nadu. He had travelled abroad to several countries including U.S.A. for propagating Hindu religion. He has been invited by foreign associations in Singapore, Malaysia, Hongkong, Thailand and People's Republic of China for participating in various seminars, worships and functions and to address on the Hindu Religion and its culture. His itinerary was to commence on 27-12-1986 with the arrival at Singapore on that date and thereafter to attend various meetings, seminars, poojas and worships in various places in the different countries till 17-01-1987 and return to India on 18-01-1987. The petitioner made arrangments for travel as well as for participation in the aforesaid functions. He holds a valid passport bearing No. S.310551. The same is valid till 1-4-1987. He had also obtained a 'No objection certificate' issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore, dated 4-12-1986 permitting him to visit Singapore valid up to 9-1-1987.