HC closes PILs seeking action against anti-KNPP protesters

The court, however, said it wanted investigation of two cases against the protesters to be completed in a manner known to law expeditiously.

A division bench comprising Justices P Jyothimani and M Duraiswamy observed when the government had said two cases had been registered and investigation was on "we are of the view that we cannot, in the guise of entertaining a public interest litigation, direct the government to proceed to investigate about a crime as one likes or dislikes".

The investigation, the Judges said, was the prerogative of the police. However, it had to be in accordance with law.

"It is needless to state that it is the duty of the State Government, including the police, to maintain law and order," the bench said.

The petitions had sought a direction to the government to take appropriate action in the cases and also prevent People's Movement Against Nuclear Energy convenor S P Udaykumar and his group from holding an indefinite fast in front of the Indo- Russian joint venture power plant keeping in mind public safety.

In its counter affidavit, the state government said two cases had been registered by the local police and investigation had been taken up.

The Judges said they had directed the probe to be completed expeditiously keeping in mind maintenance of public peace and tranquility.

However, neither the court nor any individual had any right to interfere in the manner in which investigation should be done by the police, the bench said.