Iniyan Ma. Nehrudhasu vs The State

V. Ramasubramanian, J.—The petitioner, who happens to be the President of the Coimbatore City Unit of Dravidar Viduthaly Kazhagam, has come up with the above writ petition, challenging the rejection of their request for holding a demonstration against the Tamilnadu Agricultural University.

Heard Mr. M. Gnanasekar, learned counsel for the petitioner. Mr. R. Vijayakumar, learned Additional Government Pleader takes notice for the respondent.

It appears that in a weather forecast guide issued by the Tamilnadu Agricultural University for the year 2014, they have given details about the dates, on which, the various districts of Tamilnadu would receive rainfall. If the predictions had been made on the basis of the satellite images, the petitioner would not have had any objection.

But, the objection of the petitioner is that the predictions had been made on the basis of almanac and that it is completely irrational.

I do not wish to get into the question as to whether the contents of the almanac are scientific or unscientific. That is a larger debate, since the dates, on which, the lunar and solar eclipses take place, are also correctly indicated in almanac. Therefore, without getting into those details, if we have a look at what the petitioner wants, it could be seen that the petitioner merely wants to propagate rationalistic ideas. There cannot be any objection to the same, in view of the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of The Constitution.

Today, the Inspector of Police is present in Court and according to him, the road opposite to the University is very narrow.

The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that they are prepared to hold demonstrations opposite to the Red Cross building where permission is granted normally.

Therefore, the writ petition is disposed of directing the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Coimbatore to consider the representation of the petitioner at least for holding the demonstrations opposite to the Red Cross building and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law, keeping in mind the fact that the petitioner kazhagam has a fundamental right to air their views. The petitioner shall make a formal representation to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Coimbatore within three days of receipt of a copy of this order. Within three days of the receipt of the representation, the the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Coimbatore shall pass orders. No costs. Consequently, the above MPs are closed.