The Madras High Court on Wednesday came down upon heavily on a public interest litigation petition, seeking to ban an organisation assisting the IAS officer U.Sagayam probing illegal mining in Madurai district.
Petitioner V.Muthukumar of Agasthiyarpatti in Tirunelveli district, who runs a provision store, submitted that ‘Kanimavala Muraikedu Sagayam Ayvukuzhu Atharavu Eyakkam’ (a movement to support Sagayam) was creating confusion among the public by supporting Mr. Sagayam. It had passed 13 resolutions which reflected the organisation’s attempt “to control the whole proceedings of the said enquiry commission.” It had also issued pamphlets to the public to send all particulars regarding illegal mining to Mr.Sagayam or to it. The First Bench comprising Chief Justice S.K.Kaul and Justice M.M.Sundresh asked counsel R. Venkatesh who the petitioner was and what was his interest in the issue. It also cautioned counsel that it would impose costs if the petition was not withdrawn.
Mr.Justice Sundresh asked whether the petitioner had taken any steps to stop illegal quarrying. “Don’t bring all these to court,” the Judge said. Later, the Bench dismissed the petition as withdrawn.
