Cauvery bandh: HC dismisses PIL seeking protection for Tamilians in K'taka

The Madras High Court today dismissed a PIL seeking a direction to the Union Home Ministry to give protection to Tamilians living in Karnataka where, according to the petitioner, a 'bandh' has been called by some pro-Kannada outfits on April 12 over the Cauvery Dispute.

The petition has been filed by K V Elenkeeran who claims to be the president of Vadavaru Veeranam Eri Pasana Vivasayigal Sangam, a farmers association.

The first bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose said the court might have directed authorities in Tamil Nadu to take appropriate steps to protect the law and order if there were any apprehensions or breach of law and order in the state.

"Unfortunately, the petitioner expresses apprehension relating to law and order in Karnataka."
The bench said under Article 226 of the Constitution, the high court can issue writ within its territorial jurisdiction or "where the cause of action arose either in part or whole within its jurisdiction."