No bar on AIADMK's general council meet, cops to check on invitees: Madras high court

CHENNAI: The AIADMK's general council meeting cannot be stalled due to the objection raised by one faction of the party, observed Madras high court, adding, "ultimately, only the general council will take a decision."
Justice N Sathish Kumar, before whom a petition filed by ex-minister P Benjamin seeking protection for the party's general council meeting slated for June 23 came up for hearing on Tuesday, also directed police to check the credentials of all those entering the venue.
"It is open to the authorities to put barricades, to have the proper checking machinery to prevent carrying any weapons inside the meeting hall. It is made clear that the persons who are invited for the meeting should be given proper identity cards and only such people, who are carrying identity cards and invitation, will be allowed inside the premises," Justice Sathish Kumar said.
He also asserted that it is the duty of the State to provide necessary protection and prevent any untoward incidents.
The court passed the order while disposing of a plea moved by P Benjamin, former minister and the incumbent secretary of Thiruvallur district, seeking police protection for the meeting.
When the case was taken up for hearing, state public prosecutor Hasan Mohamed Jinnah submitted that they had sought certain clarification raising 31 queries in respect of the meeting. "If all the particulars are given, we will issue necessary police protection," he said.
To this, the judge said: "As the police concerned have sought certain clarifications, this court is of the view that the petitioner should provide the details as sought by the authorities today (Tuesday) itself. On obtaining such details, the authorities should ensure that proper protection will be given for the venue."
Meanwhile, representing the AIADMK coordinator O Paneerselvam, senior advocate P H Arvindh Pandian submitted that Benjamin had not been authorised by the council or by law to move the court. Therefore, his petition seeking protection is not maintainable. The coordinator has also given a representation to the police not to grant police protection, he said.
Recording the submissions, the court said, "at the outset, this court is of the view that the dispute between the coordinator and joint coordinator of AIADMK is not germane for consideration before this court."
"On perusal of records it is clear that one faction of the party is not in favour of conducting the meeting. This court is of the view that mere calling of the meeting cannot be stalled by another faction. Ultimately, only the general council will take a decision," the judge added.