THE Madras High Court initiated suo motu contempt against the Coimbatore City Police Commissioner for not obeying the court’s directions in a matter relating to a proposed ‘route march’ by the RSS in the city on December 21. In a writ petition, Shri S Shanmugam of the RSS sought to quash an order of the city Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Law and Order, dated October 4 this year. He prayed for a direction to the police to grant permission for a march in routes specified by him or alternatively direct the police to give permission for the march in some other route in the city on October 17 or on any other subsequent date, preferably January 30 next year.
The petitioner submitted that the organisation used to conduct short-term training camp for its cadres during Dusshera. By an application dated September 8, he sought permission from the Commissioner for the march indicating the streets in which it was to be taken out. However, the DCP by an order dated October 4 rejected the request on the ground that the routes specified by the petitioner were crowded and it may cause inconvenience to the public and also after keeping in mind law and order.
Justice K Suguna had directed the Government Pleader (GP) to get particulars of a shorter route available. But, it was represented that the Police Commissioner had instructed the GP to inform the court that no permission for the march could be given. Justice Suguna took it as contempt of court. Hence, suo motu contempt was initiated against the official. She ordered to issue notice to the Commissioner returnable in four weeks.
(FOC)
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