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Judgment
P. Sathasivam, J.—One P. Rangaraju, a resident of Nallurvayal, Boluvampatti, Alandurai (via) Coimbatore District, has filed the above
Public Interest Litigation, seeking to issue a writ of declaration to declare the sanction given by respondents 1 to 3 to establish a Police Station
within the precinct of the 4th respondent institute with its financial aid as null and void.
In the affidavit, the petitioner has stated that Nallurvayal village is predominantly inhabited by poor and illiterate Adivasi families. After securing
lands in and around the nearby villages, the fourth respondent started various educational Institutions. Nallurvayal, where the fourth respondent has
formed Karunya Nagar, is a peace prevailing village and the same being very backward in economic status, opening up of a police station is not
warranted. It is also stated that though several other important Institutions are located in and around Coimbatore City, the Government has not
taken any step for location of police station either within or near the vicinity of those Institutions. It is also the grievance of the petitioner that the 4th
respondent is propagating Christianity. Though the petitioner has made a representation for removal of the name board, viz., ''Karunya Nagar Post
Office'', no action was taken by respondents-1 to 3, hence, the present Writ Petition.
On behalf of respondents-1 to 3, Joint Secretary to Government (Police & Fire Services), Home Department, has filed counter affidavit,
highlighting their stand. It is stated that the Government, in G.O.Ms. No. 721, Home (Police XIV) Department, dated 18.5.1995, has ordered for
opening of a new police station at Karunya Nagar, located in the revenue village of Madhavarayapuram of Coimbatore South Taluk, which lies in
Coimbatore Rural Police District. Inasmuch as a number of families are living in that area and in view of the speedy growth of the villages and on
the basis of the recommendations of the local committee headed by the District Collector, Coimbatore District, the Director General of Police
(D.G.P.) requested for opening of a new police station (Type V) at Karunya Nagar. The D.G.P. has also reported that the founders of Karunya
Educational Trust had agreed to provide land, buildings and other infrastructure required for opening of a police station at Karunya Nagar at their
own cost. The police station at Karunya Nagar was opened on 02.09.1995 and has been functioning as such.
There are about 78 Adivasi families consisting of 250 members spread over in Nallurvayal, which is very adjacent to Karunya Educational
Institutions. Besides, there are also families residing in the same area who are Caste Hindus and are working as Agricultural Labourers in the
agricultural lands located in the villages. Karunya Educational Trust is providing to them free education, free medical aid and employment
opportunities in their Institutions.
The Post Office and the Police Station have been located in the buildings owned by the Trust, hence, the name ''Karunya Nagar'' has been
mentioned for the Post Office and the Police Station for the purpose of identification. The present Police Station serves the following areas:
Madhavarayapuram Revenue Village consisting of 4 hamlets,
(a) Nallurvayal
(b) Iruttupallam
(c) Sadivayal
(d) Mundanthurai
Ikkarai Belvampatty South Revenue Village- consisting of hamlets,
(a) Semmedu
(b) Poondi
(c) Mullangadu
(d) Kottaikkadu
(e) Karumbukkadupathy
Alandurai Revenue Village (part) consisting of hamlet of
(a) perumalkoilpathy
Population details of Educational Institutions:
(a) Karunya Trust .. about 1920 persons
(b) Chinmaya Mission Trust .. about 130 persons
(c) Government Schools .. about 896 persons
It is also stated that apart from the Police Station; Hospital, Canara Bank Branch, Branch Post Office, Telephone Exchange and Evangeline
School are located inside the Institution. They have also provided the quarters for the police personnel in good faith and for the benefit of the local
public in that area. The police station in that area is necessary for the public particularly to maintain peace, public tranquility and law & order. The
police personnel at Karunya Nagar Police Station are discharging their duties and responsibilities for the Government under the supervision of the
superior police authorities and they are not under the control of anyone including the 4th respondent.
The main apprehension projected by the learned Counsel for the petitioner is, first of all, there is no need for establishing a Police Station in the
village in question; secondly, respondents-1 to 3 are not justified in establishing the same within the precincts of the Institution.
Before considering the above aspects, it is relevant to refer to the salient features of G.O.Ms. No. 721, Home (Police XIV) Department, dated
18.05.1995. It is seen that, based on the report of the Director General of Police; taking note of various aspects including population; and also the
report of the local Committee headed by the District Collector; and after ascertaining the fact that the Founder of Karunya Education Trust has
agreed to provide land, buildings and other infrastructures required for opening of a police station at Karunya Nagar; the Government accorded
sanction and also directed the D.G.P. to follow the usual procedure. The Government has also issued a separate notification defining the
jurisdiction of the Karunya Nagar Police Station. The details mentioned in the Government Order as well as the information furnished by the Joint
Secretary to Government, Home Department, in the counter affidavit, would make it clear that the Police Station in Karunya Nagar has been
established for rendering service to the public in the area and not exclusively for the purpose of Karunya Institutions.
We have already noticed that, apart from the Police Station; hospital, bank, post office and telephone exchange are also located within the
precincts of the 4th respondent/institution. Taking note of the jurisdiction conferred and considering the number of charitable and other activities,
we are unable to accept the apprehension raised by the petitioner.
It is seen that, pursuant to the report submitted by the D.G.P. and the Committee headed by the District Collector; after proper order by the
Government, the police station was opened on 02.09.1995. After opening of the police station, no untoward incident was brought to the notice of
this Court that too at the instance of the 4th respondent/Institution. The apprehension that the Police Station was only for the benefit of the fourth
respondent is misconceived particularly in the light of the reasons stated in the Government Order as well as the information furnished in the counter
affidavit.
In the light of what is stated above, we are satisfied that there is no merit in the claim made by the petitioner. Consequently, the Writ Petition fails
and the same is dismissed. No costs. Connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.
It is made clear that, if there is any violation of any of the provisions of the Act or Rules or public peace, the petitioner is free to make
complaint/representation to the authorities concerned.