Markandey Katju, C.J.: Heard the learned counsel for the parties.

2. This writ petition illustrates an alarming phenomenon which has arisen in the State of Tamil Nadu over the last decade or so, which is gaining momentum, and which must be nipped in the bud now otherwise it will create serious law and order problems and anarchy in the State. This phenomenon is the mushrooming, particularly in the rural and coastal areas of the State, of wholly illegal and extra-constitutional institutions called Katta Panchayats which hold illegal kangaroo courts, issue unlawful decrees of excommunication from the village and imposition of huge fines against persons who have displeased them in some way, and commit acts of violence on such person if they disobey such decrees.

3. The writ petitioner K.Gopal has alleged in the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition that he is a practicing Advocate in the Madras High Court. He has alleged that he has been a victim of the Kattapanchayat system prevalent in his Kuppam (hamlet) as a consequence of which his family and he have been illegally excommunicated from the village and subjected to an illegal fine of Rs.40,000 and are facing imminent death

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