HC permits Veerappan's wife to conduct 'Annadanam'

Chennai, Oct 13 : The Madras High Court has permitted the wife of slain sandalwood smuggler Veerappan to conduct the ceremony of 'Annadanam' (feeding the poor) on his 11th death anniversary.

Muthulakshmi in her petition said police shot dead her husband on October 18, 2004 in an encounter.

She said every year she performed Annadanam during his death anniversary.

She said she sought permission from Mettur Police to perform Annadanam this year also but they refused to permit it and also denied permission to erect a banner giving publicity about the programme.

Muthulakshmi prayed the Court to direct police to grant permission for erecting the banner and conduct the ceremony. Passing orders on the plea yesterday, Justice M M Sundersh directed police to grant permission to Muthulakshmi to perform Annadanam.

The judge also directed police to allow her to erect the banner at the place where the programme was going to be conducted and not any other place.

The judge made it clear that she shall be permitted to perform Annadanam alone.

"If Muthulakshmi indulges in any other activities other than Annadanam it is open to police to take action in accordance with law including cancellation of permission," the judge said.

PTI