2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41779

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
R. Vijayakumar, J
Balachandran – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent of Police – Respondent
W.M.P.Crl.(MD)No.682 of 2026

Administrative authorities cannot reject permission for cultural events based solely on presumptions of potential law and order problems without concrete evidence.

Headnote:The petitioner filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India challenging the respondent's decision to deny permission for an 'Adal Padal' cultural program during a local temple festival, based on the apprehension of a law and order disturbance. The Court emphasized that administrative rejections cannot be based solely on presumptions of public unrest. The core issue was whether the authorities were justified in denying permission for a religious event based on speculative concerns regarding public order. The Court reasoned that generic apprehensions are insufficient to curtail fundamental rights and directed the respondent to grant permission while observing that authorities remain empowered to impose reasonable conditions per established guidelines. The writ petition is allowed with a direction to the respondent to grant permission and provide necessary police protection, subject to the conditions stipulated by the Director General of Police.