The Madras High Court on Saturday permitted the Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) to take out a procession in the city on Sunday between 4 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. The procession will be from the Rajaratnam Stadium, Egmore, to the Langs Garden Road (Pudupet) junction.
A Division Bench comprising Justices V.Dhanapalan and M.Duraiswamy passed the order at a special sitting on a plea by the DVK challenging the rejection of police permission for the procession and a public meeting.
P.John, district president, said the organisation had been functioning for the past several years to eradicate communalism and bring social harmony. It has planned an “eradication of superstition” rally from the Ambedkar Bridge, Mylapore, to the Periyar Statue on V.M.Street at Royapettah and hold a public meting there on September 1.
A representation was given to police on August 14, seeking permission for the procession. The police issued a show cause notice and he appeared in person and gave an explanation. The police declined permission by an order of August 27.
The police said the route of the proposed procession was narrow and there would be traffic congestion. This would cause hardship to the public.
If permission is granted, there is a possibility of breach of peace and law and order.
Mr.John said he had told the police that the organisation had taken out similar processions in the past and there was no problem then.
The Bench ordered that the procession should not affect law and order. It should not cause disturbance to the public. No slogan should be raised hurting any religious sentiments.
The court posted the matter for September 16 for further hearing and filing of counter.
