DSP who flouted court order in temple issue seeks apology | The Times of India

Editor

7 years ago

Madurai: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court on Monday directed the deputy superintendent of police(DSP) of Sankarankoil in Tirunelveli to file an affidavit in a contempt case, after he apologised before the court.

One V Subramanian from Sankarankoil filed a contempt petition seeking action against the Tirunelveli SP and Sankarankoil town police saying that they flouted the court order passed on July 20 in a case filed by him.

Seeking permission to conduct light music and patti mandabam (Tamil debate) till the completion of Veethi Ula (street procession) held as part of the ongoing festival at Sri Sanakara Narayana Swamy temple, the petitioner filed representation on July 10 to the Sankaranakoil police. As the police did not consider it, he filed a case before the high court bench. The court, in turn, passed order on July 20 giving relief as the petitioner had sought for.

However, the DSP restricted the duration of the procession by issuing an order. The DSP wanted the procession to be completed before 10pm which irked the local people as the procession would take till 1pm to be completed.

This led the petitioner to file a contempt plea against the SP and the inspector.

When the case recently came up for hearing before the division bench, consisting of K K Sasidharan and G R Swaminathan, the petitioner’s side said that the deities procession will take more time (normally night 1’o clock) to be completed. It has been the practice from time immemorial. The DSP is aware of the fact. However, he passed order restricting the duration of procession, said the petitioner.

Further, when they were told about the court order, the police told the petitioner to file a contempt case and that they were ready to face it. Following it, the court sought the appearance of the DSP.

Accordingly, when the case came up for hearing, DSP Rajendran appeared before the division bench on Monday and sought apology. The court directed him to file affidavit in that regard and adjourned the case.