The Madras High Court affirmed the nation’s identity in the coexistence of diverse ideologies stating that holding meetings aimed at eradicating any ideology is not a right conferred upon individuals.
Case Title: Magesh Karthikeyan v The Commissioner of Police
Case No: W.P.No.30692 of 2023
Decided on: 31st October, 2023
CORAM: HON’BLE Dr. JUSTICE G. JAYACHANDRAN
Introduction
The Madras High Court while hearing the plea by Magesh Karthikeyan seeking a permission for conducting an indoor meeting to eradicate “Dravidian Ideology”, affirmed the nation’s identity in the coexistence of diverse ideologies stating that holding meetings aimed at eradicating any ideology is not a right conferred upon individuals.
Facts of the Case
Initially, the petitioner made an application to Inspector of Police seeking a permission for conducting an indoor meeting at No.9, Kamarajar Salai, Manali, Chennai and the same the got rejected. Because of which, the petitioner Magesh Karthikeyan filed the current petition seeking permission to conduct meeting to eradicate “Dravidian Ideology”.
The petitioner filed a representation based on the contention that the police give permission to conduct a meeting propagating Dravidian Ideology and he has the same right under
Article 19(1)(a) of Indian Constitution to conduct meeting to eradicate “Dravidian Ideology”.
Courts analysis and decision
The court observed that members of the ruling party and ministers were involved in a meeting aimed at eradicating said ideology and the police have not taken any action against them, indicating a lapse in their duty. In response to the police’s failure to address those who made inflammatory statements against said ideology, the petitioner is seeking permission to conduct a meeting to oppose “Dravidian Ideology.”
The court observed that people shouldn’t expect courts to support initiatives meant to disseminate concepts that incite animosity among the populace. The earlier petition which was granted by the police was to propagate an ideology whereas the current petition is to conduct a meeting with an intention to eradicate an ideology. The court cannot accept the petitioner’s request to hold a conference for the eradication of Dravidian Ideology and the same is not a fundamental right.
“PRIME LEGAL is a full-service law firm that has won a National Award and has more than 20 years of experience in an array of sectors and practice areas. Prime legal fall into a category of best law firm, best lawyer, best family lawyer, best divorce lawyer, best divorce law firm, best criminal lawyer, best criminal law firm, best consumer lawyer, best civil lawyer.”
Written by- Rupika Goundla
