Permission For Temple's Festival Can't Be Denied On Grounds Of Model Code Of Conduct: Madras High Court

Justice K Kumaresh Babu was hearing a plea challenging the rejection of permission and to grant permission to conduct a music and dance program at night during the temple festival. The authorities had denied permission given the model code of conduct existing due to the Assembly Elections.

The court however noted that the elections in the State of Tamil Nadu had concluded and the polling was already over. The court was also not in favor of denying permission because of the Model Code of Conduct.

“This Court has taken note of the fact that the election has been completed and the polling is already over. Further such reasons cannot be accepted for conducting the temple festival,” the court said.

The court thus set aside the order of the police denying permission and directed the police to grant police protection for conducting dance and music in accordance with law.

Counsel for the Petitioner: Mr.P.Sivamani

Counsel for the Respondent: Mr.L.Baskaran Government Advocate

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Mad) 195

Case Title: S Kesavan v The Inspector of Police

Case No: W.P.No.13304 of 2024