The Single Judge Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court comprising Justice D. V. S. S. Somayajulu has denied to pass any order or direction to Chief Minister’s Office for the permission of Padyatra to meet Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh .
Background of the Case
The petitioner has filed application to sought permission for conducting ‘padayatra’ to meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh before the Superintendent of Police, West Godavari District, Eluru was rejected on four grounds. Questioning the said rejection order, the writ petition has been filed.
Submission of the Petitioner
The counsel on the behalf of the Petitioner has submitted that upon the four (4) grounds, ground No.1 pertaining to the COVID – 19 is no longer relevant. With regard to route map and details, the petitioner had submitted certain details to the respondent-police, but they are not acting on the same. Lastly, he submits that prior permission being obtained from the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s Officer is stated to be necessary to meet the Hon’ble Chief Minister to conduct padayatra.
Submission of the Respondent
The learned Government Pleader appearing for the State has submitted that there are high security risks involved and that the police carefully verify and vet the antecedents of people who wish to meet a dignitary like the Chief Minister. It is submitted that the petitioner did not furnish any details about the eleven persons, who will accompany him on the padayatra.
Reasoning and Decision of the Court
The Court considered the facts of the case and heard both the parties. The Court made perusal of the submission of the Petitioner and expounded that reason No.1 (COVID-19) is no longer a valid ground for rejecting the permission. The petitioner also agrees to furnish a route map and also the clear and categorical details of the participant along with Aadhar card and other documents of the identity of the people, who are going to accompany the petitioner.
The Court further observed that “As far as the permission from the Chief Minister’s Office is concerned, this is not a matter on which this Court can pronounce any order or give a direction.”
Therefore, the Court allowed the petition and held that if the petitioner submits a representation immediately with all the requisite data and details, the respondent-police are directed to consider the same objectively and pass an order immediately on merits.
Case Details
Case: - Writ Petition No.8838 of 2022
Judge: Justice D. V. S. S. Somayajulu
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