The court's decision was influenced by the circular and guidelines issued by the Director General of Police for considering applications seeking permission for conducting cultural programmes.

JUDGMENT

(Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct Kiramiya Karakkattam Programme scheduled to be held on 05.04.2023 from 06.00 PM for Arulmigu Sree Uchamakali Amman, Sree Sonai Sami Kovil Temple Festival situated at Paatakuriji Village, Pothumppu, Madurai District based on the petitioners representation dated 15.03.2023 and 31.03.2023.)

1. The writ petitioner filed this Writ Petition seeking for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to grant permission and necessary protection to conduct Kiramiya Karakkattam Programme scheduled to be held on 05.04.2023 from 06.00 PM for Arulmigu Sree Uchamakali Amman, Sree Sonai Sami Kovil Temple Festival situated at Paatakuriji Village, Pothumppu, Madurai District based on the petitioners representation dated 15.03.2023 and 31.03.2023.

2. Mr. R.Sureshkumar, learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side), takes notice for the respondents. By consent, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner submitted that festival for the temple, by name, “Arulmigu Sree Uchamakali Amman, Sree Sonai Sami Kovil Temple situated at Paatakuriji Village, Pothumppu, Madurai District, is going to be held on 05.04.2023. Subsequent to the same, in order to conduct a cultural programme on 05.04.2023, they sought permission of the Police by giving a representation dated 15.03.2023 and 31.03.2023. But, the third respondent has not considered the said representation. Since no order was passed, the writ petitioner has come before this Court for the above said relief.

4. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondents would submit that he has no objection for granting permission to conduct a cultural programme subject to time restriction in between 07.00 p.m to 10.00 p.m. on 05.04.2023, and also submitted that the third respondent has received the representation of the writ petitioner and the same is pending for consideration.

5. I have considered the submission of the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner and the learned Additional Public Prosecutor appearing for the respondents.

6. It is brought to the notice of this Court that the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, Chennai had issued a circular memorandum in Rc.007301/Genl.I (1)/2019, dated 09.04.2019, along with instructions to the Inspectors of Police throughout Tamil Nadu for consideration of applications seeking permission for conducting cultural programme. Therefore, in view of the detailed circular and guidelines issued by the Director General of Police, the third respondent is hereby directed to consider the representation of the writ petitioner, dated 15.03.2023 and 31.03.2023 and pass suitable orders based on the above said circular, in the light of the above submission made by the learned Additional Public Prosecutor.

7. With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.