K.K. RAMESH Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition filed in pro bono publico seeks a Writ of Mandamus in the nature of a direction to the State of Tamil Nadu represented by its Chief Secretary and Secretary to Government (Home) and the Director General of Police, Chennai, to take stringent action against unruly women protestors who are vandalising the TASMAC liquor shops and other Government properties in connection with the agitation opposing re-location of liquor outlets in the State.

(2.) The petitioner is stated to be a public spirited person residing at Madurai. It is the case of the petitioner that on account of the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in State of Tamil Nadu v. K. Balu and Another (Judgment dated 31 March, 2017 in Civil Appeal Nos.12164 to 12166 of 2016), the TASMAC has been taking steps to re-locate the liquor outlets.

(3.) The petitioner, who appeared as party-in-person, contended that there was no basis or justifiable reasons for such protests by women. According to the petitioner, revenue from liquor is the major source of revenue to the State. The State has to undertake welfare measures and for the said purpose, it requires considerable money. The petitioner, further, contended that in spite of specific incidents relating to arson and violence by the women protestors and the loss sustained by the TASMAC, action was not taken by any of the authorities including TASMAC against the protestors.