Police cannot deny permission for a closed-door meeting to discuss anti-Dravidian ideology : Madras High Court

(Credit – Swarajya)

Chennai – The Madras High Court has clearly stated that, “Police cannot deny permission for a meeting held in a closed hall to discuss anti-Dravidian ideology. People should not be prohibited from expressing opinions against any particular ideology”. The Court also directed Police of Poonamallee Police Station to grant permission for the meeting organised by people with anti-Dravidian ideology on 1st November and made it clear that, “no one should violate law and order”. As the Police had objected to this meeting, a petition was filed in the Madras High Court. Regarding that, the Madras High Court said, “The Police should be instructed to grant permission for the meeting to be held in a closed hall because denying permission on the basis of an objection raised by an individual would amount to a restriction on freedom of speech and expression”.

The Court Order states,

In a democratic system, it is always possible to have different views about a belief or ideology. It is impossible to force everyone to follow the same ideology, and a person always has the right to have his own reservations and opinions about an ideology.

Only if there is dialogue, there is room for evolution in society. Therefore, the fact that the petitioner and his organisation are going to express their opinion, which may be contrary to the popular opinion about the Dravidian ideology, is not in itself a reason to prevent the petitioner from organising a meeting in a closed hall.