'Maintain The Status As Idols', Madras HC To Film And Drama Artist Association [Read Order]

The High Court of Madras has permitted the South Indian Film Artistes' Association(SIFAA) to hold an election at Ebba's Girls Higher Secondary School on Radhakrishnan Salai at Mylapore on 23.06.19.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh, who granted the permission said that he expects the members of the association to keep up the reputation and maintain their status as idols rather than involving themselves in violent acts or by creating unruly scenes. He said, if such instances take place then it will reflect very badly upon the association and people will change their opinions if they find that their idols are indulging in violence. He further informed the contestants to redress their grievances as per law and they shall not take law in their own hands.

The court also directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mylapore, to provide adequate protection for the election.

In the present case, the petitioners (SIFAA) had approached Mylapore police to provide security for conducting the election scheduled at Dr MGR-Janaki Arts & Science College for Women on June 23. However, police expressed its inability considering the locality of the venue and the disturbance it might cause to the general public. Challenging this, the petitioner filed a writ of mandamus before the High Court to direct the respondents to provide for adequate police protection.

The Registrar of societies by an order dated 19.06.19 had directed the petitioner to curb the election. However, the High Court after hearing all parties had stayed the operation of the order and had permitted the elections to be conducted on 23.06.2019. The court also asked the petitioner to suggest an alternative venue for the elections. The petitioner submitted that the previous elections had taken place at St. Ebbas Matriculation Higher Secondary School, without any problem and therefore, the present election can take place in the very same venue.

Justice Venkatesh permitted the petitioner to continue with the electoral process by adhering to the following directions. The election should commence at 7 am and conclude at 5 pm. No one should be allowed inside the school without ID cards. Parking should not be allowed on the road. Vehicles should be kept on the school premises or leave after the members alighted. The deputy commissioner of police should see that the event takes place without any disturbance to the movement of vehicles and pedestrians on arterial Radhakrishnan Road. After the polling hours, the ballot boxes should be taken to the association premises and kept in a room locked and sealed. The decision regarding the counting of votes will take place only after the court passes further orders.

Click here to download the order