Madurai, Aug 19 (IANS) The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has permitted a kabaddi tournament in Madurai district, subject to stringent conditions aimed at preventing substance abuse, political or communal mobilisation and disturbances to public order.
Justice L. Victoria Gowri allowed the tournament to be held at Madhaikalam village on August 29 and 30 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The court authorised the police to stop the event and initiate appropriate legal action if the organisers or participants violated any of the conditions.
The order was passed on a petition filed by Mukesh of Sholavandan, who sought permission and police protection to conduct the tournament at Madhaikalam in Sangankottai village, Sholavandan.
He approached the High Court after the police declined to permit the event.
While allowing the petition, the court directed the organisers to ensure that participants did not consume alcohol or narcotic substances during the tournament.
Individuals facing pending criminal cases would not be permitted to take part in the competition.
The judge also prohibited the raising of slogans or chants supporting or opposing any political party, political leader, caste, community or religion.
The organisers and participants were directed to ensure that no incident affecting public peace occurred during the tournament.
Participants have also been barred from wearing clothing displaying objectionable or provocative statements or images of political or religious leaders.
Songs praising religious figures or those capable of hurting religious sentiments should not be played at the venue.
The court further ordered that no flex boards, banners or hoardings referring to any particular community or leader should be erected in or around the tournament venue.
The directions are intended to ensure that the sporting event is not used to promote political, caste-based, communal or religious interests.
Responsibility for maintaining discipline and complying with all the conditions would rest with the organisers. They must cooperate with the police and take adequate steps to prevent clashes, provocative conduct or other disturbances.
The police have been empowered to monitor the tournament and intervene immediately if any of the restrictions are breached.
Besides registering cases or taking other legal measures against those responsible, the authorities may halt the tournament if they conclude that its continuation could threaten public order or communal harmony.
–IANS
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