Protest has become a way of life in TN: Madras high court

Chennai: The Madras high court has said, “Protest and demonstration has become a way of life in this state. This court has already stated that protest and demonstration have become a full time profession for many youngsters in this state. There are issues for which people can protest and conduct demonstration. However, at the fall of the hat, protest is being called for and police protection is sought for. The police is already over burdened with their work and to make police to go and give protection in every place where protest is being held, will put additional burden on the police”.

Justice N.Anand Venkatesh made the observations while dismissing a petition from one Mohanraj, which sought to quash an order of the Villupuram police, denying permission to him to hold a demonstration on June 28 or any other subsequent dates.

The petitioner wanted to conduct a demonstration on the ground that two persons have been illegally arrested by the police and a false criminal case has been foisted against them, besides the grounds of arrest was not mentioned at the time of remand.

The judge said even though, this court was liberal in granting permission for protest and demonstration, the number seems to be increasing by the day and therefore, this court wants to understand in each and every case as to why the demonstration was going to be conducted by any person or association. This court by being liberal in granting permission, does not want to unwittingly become a party for encouraging unwanted protest/demonstration. The purpose, for which the protest was called for in the present case, was totally unwarranted. It was not known as to how this protest will decide whether the case registered was false or the arrest made was illegal. These were matter that should be agitated before an appropriate forum and it cannot be taken to streets, the judge added.