Date:10/07/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/07/10/stories/2004071008620400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Tamaraikani allowed to go on fast

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, JULY 9. The Madras High Court today permitted the Srivilliputtur Municipal Chairman, R. Tamaraikani, to lead an all-party hunger strike tomorrow, demanding expeditious implementation of a drinking water project for the area.

Mr. Tamaraikani moved the court after the local police on July 5 rejected his plea for permission to sit on fast.

The matter relates to a State Government decision to implement the Athikovil-Anaithaliru project to tide over water scarcity in Srivilliputtur. In September 2003, dismissing a writ petition against it, the High Court had clarified that there was no impediment to the scheme. Despite the order, the Government did not make any effort to implement the project and several representations from the municipality evoked no reply.

On July 3, an all-party councillors meeting resolved to hold a day's hunger strike near the Kamarajar statue at Ramakrishnapuram tomorrow protesting the delay.

When the matter came up before Justice R. Balasubramanian, senior counsel K. Chandru pointed out that the police denied permission by invoking a repealed provision in the District Police Act. He said the event would be peaceful and would not cause hindrance to any section of society.

Allowing the plea, Mr. Justice Balasubramanian said, "Mr. Tamaraikani is permitted to go on hunger strike near the Kamarajar statue on July 10, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prior to commencing the strike, he shall give a list of persons likely to join the strike. On receipt of the list, the Deputy Superintendent of Police shall verify it and permit persons mentioned in the list to participate in the stir. There should not be any hindrance to traffic or public tranquillity. The DSP should not hesitate to take action against those who attempt breach of the peace."