Tasmac can be closed on Kalam’s anniversary: Madras High Court

Justice C. S. Karnan made the suggestion while ordering notice, returnable by August 3, to the state government and Tasmac on a petition filed by Tamizhaga Tasmac Pattali Thozhilsangam, which sought to direct the state government to declare holiday for Tasmac shops on July 30 when the mortal remains of Abdul Kalam is scheduled to be laid to rest at Rameswaram in Ramanathapuram district.

Declining to order any interim relief, the judge said since it is a good case to decide as to whether the government order declaring holiday for public and private establishments would also cover Tasmac, it could be heard after giving notice to the state government.

The petitioner’s counsel K. Balu while referring to the government order declaring public holiday for educational institutions, public and private establishments, said the G.O will cover Tasmac also and hence, the leave benefit should be extended to nearly 28,000 Tasmac employees. Additional government pleader A. Ramesh and Tasmac counsel S. Muthuraj, submitted that a government order had already been issued declaring holiday for Tasmac shops in Ramanathapuram district on July 29 and 30. Most of the officers were in Ramanathapuram. Hence, it was not possible to get instructions immediately.

The judge said, “We have to appreciate the government’s policy in declaring holiday, and closing liquor shops for two days in Ramanathapuram district. But the court cannot interfere with the government’s revenue,” he said.