Ban on pro LTTE processions, meetings challenged in HC

Chennai, Nov 29 (UNI) The Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam today filed a writ petition in Madras High court, challenging the notice of Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP), imposing a ban on taking out processions, holding public meetings or condolence meetings in support of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the state.

Vice President of the Kazhagam Anoor Jogadeesan in the petition said the DGP had recently issued a notice, warning severe action under the unlawful activities (prevention) Act against those who offered support to the banned organisations, when there was no such provision under it.

In pursuance to the notice, the police had removed the banners, which carried condolence message for LTTE Political Chief S P Tamilchelvan at several places in Tamil Nadu. The police also removed banners exhibited against the Sri Lankan government for killing innocent Tamils in the island, he said.

The petitioner contended that a blanket prohibition for the support of the organisation could not be issued and that was not the intent of the Act. It only prohibited unlawful activities, he submitted.

Pointing out that Chief Minister M Karunanidhi himself had issued a poetic message, condoling the death of Tamilchelvan, the petitioner said the DGP had issued the notice without consulting the Chief Minister and proper application of mind.

He sought an interm injunction, restraining the DGP or his men from removing banners and posters, exhibited to condole the death of the LTTE leader.

The petitioner also prayed to quash the notice and direct the DGP to restore banners, posters and cut outs which exhibited the condolence message and the ethnic issue in Sri Lanka.

UNI