HC raps police inspector for not accepting plea by post

The Madras High Court today rapped a police official for not receiving a representation sent by post, holding that such act would amount to dereliction of duty by police officials.
Justice M S Ramesh made the observation while allowing a petition by an expelled AIADMK worker of Coimbatore district, seeking permission to hold a function on the occasion of late chief minister Jayalalithaa's 70th birth anniversary on February 24.
G Anandan, in his petition, submitted he had sent a representation to the inspector of Mettupalayam Police Station in Coimbatore district, seeking permission for the event by registered post but it was returned with a postal endorsement "refused" (by the inspector).

He also said he sent the representation by post after the police officials allegedly refused to accept it when he gave it in person.
Coming down on the inspector, the judge in his order said it was common knowledge that representations and complaints were often sent to government officials, as well as to the police personnel, through post.
"The inspector will not be justified, at any point of time, in refusing to receive the said representations sent through post. Such conduct would amount to dereliction of the ordinary duties of their office," he said.

The judge directed the police to permit the petitioner to conduct the function and also allow erection of 50 flex boards for the event.

Earlier, the additional government pleader submitted that the petitioner had not got permission from the appropriate authorities and that if they were permitted to erect flex banners in 110 places, it would cause hindrance to public and also affect traffic.
He also said the petitioner has been expelled from the AIADMK and was not competent to claim permission to hold a function on behalf of the party.
The judge also directed the police officials to impose reasonable restrictions while granting permission for the function and erection of flex banners.