The Madras High Court has granted permission to the members of Indu Makkal Katchi, including its State President Shri Arjun Sampath, to garland the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Ambedkar Memorial Hall in Chennai. The permission is for April 14, 2025, between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, in celebration of the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. However, the court allowed this only under strict conditions to ensure public peace and order.
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The ruling was delivered by Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan in response to a writ petition filed by A. Arunkumar (W.P.No.12879 of 2025). The petitioner sought permission for the event after their prior request to the authorities went unanswered.
While granting permission, the Court made it clear that the event could only take place if all rules laid down by the authorities were strictly followed. These rules were based on an undertaking submitted by the petitioner, which included:
“I undertake that I and my organisation would not raise any slogans or make speeches against anyone;
I undertake that I and my organisation would not play any instrument;
I undertake that I and my organisation would not cause any hindrance to the traffic or general public;
I undertake that I and my organisation would not wear ‘Kavi Dhoti’, Sandal Tilak, Kumkum, or Vibuthi to the Annal Ambedkar Statue.”
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Additionally, the members agreed to wear ID cards and travel to the venue in vehicles arranged by the police.
The State government had earlier objected to granting permission, arguing that it could disturb public order. However, the petitioner argued that they had complied with similar undertakings during past events and maintained peace.
Justice Ilanthiraiyan acknowledged that in earlier cases too, the Court had allowed such events under similar undertakings. Given the petitioner’s willingness to comply with conditions and maintain peace, the Court decided to grant permission with caution.
The Court instructed that the petitioner and the group must appear before the Inspector of Police at 3:30 PM on the event day. From there, they must travel in the vehicle provided by the police to the Ambedkar Memorial Hall.
The Judge made it clear that any violation of the stated conditions would be taken seriously. The police would have the right to take legal action if any terms were broken.
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“Any violation of the conditions imposed will be viewed seriously, and the police are free to take appropriate legal action as per law,” the Court warned.“Considering the representation and the affidavit of undertaking, this Court is inclined to grant permission to the petitioner and others on the specified date and time,” the order stated.
Legal Representation
- For the Petitioner: Mr. S. Venkateswaran
- For the Respondents: Mr. A. Gopinath, Government Advocate (Criminal Side)
