Madras High Court: In a writ petition filed for directing the respondents to grant permission and provide adequate police protection to the petitioner, the Founder, the State President, and 25 members of Indu Makkal Katchi, Tamil Nadu, to participate in the event on 14-04-2025, commemorating the 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Single Judge Bench of G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, J. allowed the members of Indu Makkal Katchi to garland the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar situated at the Ambedkar Memorial Hall, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai, in connection with the Ambedkar Jayanti celebration, subject to certain conditions.
The petitioner prayed for permission to garland the statue of Dr. Ambedkar situated at the Ambedkar Memorial Hall, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai, between 4:00 P.M. and 4:30 P.M. on the specified date. The petitioner also prayed that the respondents be directed to ensure adequate police protection to ensure the safety and security of all persons involved, preventing any untoward incidents during the event.
The Court viewed that the petitioner was entitled to be granted permission as prayed for as he had submitted an affidavit of undertaking, wherein he had agreed to abide by any conditions that might be imposed by the respondents, particularly the police, in connection with the event.
In view of the undertaking given by the petitioner, the Court granted permission to the petitioner, the Founder, and State President, along with 25 members, to garland the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, on 1400402025 between 04.00 p.m. and 04.30 p.m., subject to the following conditions:
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They were not to raise any slogans or deliver any speeches against anyone;
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They were not to play any instruments;
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They were not to cause any hindrance to traffic or the general public;
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They were not to wear “Kavi Dhoti,” Sandal Thilagam, Kum Kum, or Vibuthi while approaching the Annal Ambedkar Statue;
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The petitioner and others were to appear before the Inspector of Police at 03.30 p.m. and, thereafter, were to travel to the venue in the vehicle provided by the Inspector of Police
The Court opined that considering the undertaking given by the petitioner, the respondents should be directed to provide adequate police protection for the event.
The Court further stated that any violation of the conditions imposed by the Court, whether by the petitioner or the 25 members, would be viewed seriously. It was made clear that the police were at liberty to initiate appropriate legal action as per the law in case of any such violations.
[A. Arunkumar v. Home Secretary to Government, W.P. No. 12879 of 2025, decided on 08-04-2025]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For Petitioner: Mr. S. Venkateswaran
For Respondents: Mr. A. Gopinath Government Advocate
