The Supreme Court of India, on Monday, refused to entertain a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Bharath Hindu Munnani, which sought permission to hold a protest procession at Thiruparakundram, Madurai. The petition challenged the decision of the Madras High Court, which had earlier dismissed their request, citing concerns about public peace and harmony.
Background of the Case
The plea was submitted by S. Yuvaraj, Deputy District President of Bharath Hindu Munnani, North Chennai. He had approached the court seeking directions for the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector of Police (Flower Bazaar Police Station) to grant permission for a procession on February 18. The proposed march was planned from Egambarashwarar Temple to Sri Muthukumarasamu Kovil Devasthanam Rasappa Street in Chennai. The purpose was to express solidarity with protestors involved in the Thiruparakundram Hill row.
A bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and P.B. Varale noted that since the requested procession date had already passed, the plea had become irrelevant. Advocate G. Mutharasu, representing Bharath Hindu Munnani, requested that the Court consider an alternative date for the protest procession.
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The bench firmly responded:
"We are not here for such petty things. Dismissed."
Thiruparakundram Hill is home to both the Kasivishwanathar Temple and a Sikkandar Dargah. The dispute arose after a recent prohibition on animal sacrifices at the Dargah. Additionally, a widely circulated video showed individuals consuming non-vegetarian food at the hill, sparking outrage among certain Hindu groups. This led to demands for a protest against the incident.
To maintain public order, the District Collector imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC (now Section 163 BNSS) for two days, February 3 and 4. The move was based on information received from the Commissioner of Police, aimed at ensuring communal harmony.
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The police also issued a public advisory:
- People were advised not to visit Thiruparakundram Temple.
- Fleet and transport operators were instructed not to carry passengers to the site for protests.
- Shops and community halls near the temple were directed to remain closed.
The petitioners argued that despite submitting formal requests for permission, authorities failed to consider their plea, forcing them to approach the High Court. However, the Madras High Court upheld the government's decision, emphasizing that no protest should be allowed if it disturbs public harmony.
Case Details: S.YUVARAJ v. THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND ANR|SLP(Crl) No. 3852/2025
