G. MUTHUKUMAR Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) An independent candidate, contesting in 23rd Karur Parliamentary Constituency, has filed the instant writ petition for a Mandamus, directing the Returning Officer, 23 Karur Parliamentary Constituency, Karur District and Media Monetary Committee, represented by Tahsildar, Tamilnadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Limited, Karur District/respondents 2 and 3 herein, to grant permission to telecast the petitioner's election campaign, by regularising the timings, in accordance with the rules, on the basis of his representation, dtd. 2/4/2019.

(2.) Petitioner has contended that local channels under the control of Arasu Cable TV Corporation, do not telecast the election campaign of independent candidates. Hon'ble Supreme Court in S.L.P.(C). No. 6679/2004, dtd. 13/4/2004, has directed that permission should be given equally to all the candidates, irrespective of the fact, as to whether the candidates are from the recognised political parties or not.

(3.) According to the petitioner, he had approached the local TV channels, requesting them, to telecast the video of his election campaign, but they refused to do so. Therefore, the petitioner has sent a representation dtd. 2/4/2019, to the respondents, explaining the above facts, and requested to take necessary action, by granting permission. But the representation has not been acted upon, by the respondents. Hence, petitioner has filed the instant writ petition, for the relief, as prayed for.