The right to conduct peaceful demonstrations is constitutionally protected and must be upheld.

ORDER

This Criminal Original Petition is filed to issue a Writ of Certiorerified Mandamus, direct to the respondents grant permission to conduct the peaceful demonstration in front of District Collector Office, Virudhunagar any date fixed by this High Court.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner categorically contended that in a mechanical manner, the second respondent has rejected the petitioner's application, seeking grant of permission to conduct a peaceful demonstration in front of the District Collector office. Having negated the petitioner's application and had passed the impugned order, later the second respondent had permitted various other organizations to conduct protest peacefully in the same locality.

3. The learned Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that those protests were conducted without the permission of the second respondent. There is no infirmity in the impugned order. However, the respondents will not have any objection in conducting the protest in Soolakkarai Medu area, earmarked for the petitioner to conduct protest and the second respondent will not have any impediment in granting permission to conduct protest in the said locality.

4. Heard either sides and carefully perused the materials available on record.

5. It is the considered opinion of this Court that the petitioner has sought permission only to conduct a peaceful demonstration that too against the mal-administration of the authorities of Velloor Panchayat. The respondents have earmarked three places in Virudhunagar West to conduct the protest. Conduct of protest is a fundamental right which is ensured by the mandates of the Constitution of India. Since the second respondent has already issued a circular in this regard, earmarking various areas and by directing the petitioner to conduct protest, the learned counsel for the petitioner has consented to conducted the protest at Anna Statue, near Old Bus Stand, Virudhunagar on 16.03.2026.

6. In view of the submissions made by either side, the petitioner is permitted to conduct the protest at Anna Statue, near Old Bus Stand, Virudhunagar on 16.03.2026.

7. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is allowed. No costs.