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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 47322
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
G.K.Ilanthiraiyan, J
Tindivanam United Association – Appellant
Versus
Superintendent Of Police – Respondent
WP.Crl.No.1065 of 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: A.N.Rajan
For the Respondents: R.Ganesh Kumar
State authorities cannot interfere with the activity of playing rummy (13 cards) in a club unless there is credible evidence of gambling for profit or other illegal acts.
Headnote:The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus to prevent the respondent police from interfering with the playing of rummy (13 cards) at their association premises. The petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India relied on established precedents regarding the legality of games of skill. The Court determined that while playing rummy is permissible, it must be conducted without stakes or profit-making activities in line with previous directives. The central issue was whether the police could indiscriminately interfere with the activities of a club. The Court reasoned that police authorities are only empowered to intervene if there is reliable evidence of illegal activities or gambling for stakes. It emphasized that legitimate recreational activities should not be subjected to frequent, arbitrary disturbances under the guise of inspections. In the result, the writ petition was disposed of with specific directions to refrain from interference unless illegal activity is present, while noting that pending investigations shall remain unaffected.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. petitioner seeks protection against police interference for playing cards. (Para 1 , 2) |
| 2. establishing guidelines for police conduct regarding club activities. (Para 3) |
| 3. clarification that investigation into criminal cases remains unaffected. (Para 4) |
| 4. final disposal of the writ petition. (Para 5) |
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed praying for a direction forbearing the 2nd and 3rd respondents from interfering with the lawful activity of playing Rummy (13 cards) by the members of the petitioner United Association / Club.
2. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused all the materials placed before this Court.
3. It is seen that in a similar matter, this Court already issued directions in respect of playing rummy in a club. Therefore, the same directions are issued to the respondents as follows: (i) The petitioner Club/Association shall not indulge in any activity by allowing its members or the guests to play rummy (13 cards) with stakes and make profit or gain.
(ii)The police are entitled to take action only in the event of any illegal activity is carried on in the Club premises.
(iii) The police shall not disturb the petitioner-Club/Association frequently under the guise of inspection without there being any reliable information as to the illegal activities of the Club or its members or the guests.
4. However, it is the submission of the learned Counsel for Government of Tamil Nadu (Criminal Side) that as against some of the members of the petitioner association, FIR has been registered in crime No.283 of 2025 on the file of the third respondent and it is pending for investigation. Therefore, it is made clear that the above directions have nothing to do with the investigation in crime No.283 of 2025 as against the accused.
5. In the result, this writ petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
