Tamil Nadu government has submitted before the Madras High Court that a complete ban on meetings, processions and conferences by caste, religious and community- based organisations would neither be possible nor practical.
This was stated by IGP (Administration) in his counter to a PIL filed by journalist Varaaki seeking to prohibit community-based guru poojas and caste-based rallies across Tamil Nadu.
Vaaraki contended leaders of PMK and Vanniar communities had gathered for a party youth festival in which allegedly provocative speeches 'instigated' their people against a particular community on April 25 this year. The speeches had resulted in clashes between PMK and VCK cadres, he said.
Pointing to several incidents and the law and order problems faced by police on the eve of the death anniversary of Dalit leader Immanuel Sekaran and Thevar Guru Poojas till 2012, the counter said stern action was taken to restore normalcy and several cases were registered against violators.
It was not correct to say law and order had broken down in the state, the IGP said, adding all directions of the High Court were adhered to and time slots fixed for important groups or leaders to ensure peaceful Immanual Sekaran Memorial Day celebrations at Paramakudi on September 11 this year.
In view of the steps taken by the district administration and the restrictions, 150 vehicles and only 12,000 members attended the celebrations in a disciplined manner, the counter said.
It further said the District Collector had promulgated prohibitory orders for a two-month period, banning entry of vehicles for the Thevar Guru Pooja (birth and death anniversaries both falling on October 30).
The IGP suggested that instead of a blanket ban, appropriate instructions and conditions be imposed, as warranted by the situation.
The First Bench comprising acting Chief Justice Rajesh Kumar Agrawal and Justice M Sathyanarayanan reserved the order on the PIL.
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