Sree Vishweshwara Mahavishnu Kshetram vs District Police Chief

Devan Ramachandran, J

The petitioners, who are stated to be the Advisory Committee of Sree Vishweshwara Mahavishnu Temple at Alappuzha, seek a direction to the 2nd respondent to issue them a licence to operate a loud speaker system, for conducting the Annual Festival of the Temple, between 05.11.2023 to 12.11.2023. They say that 2nd respondent has not taken any decision on Ext.P1 application, presumably because of the objection earlier raised by the 4th respondent, who is a neighbour of the premises of the temple. They, therefore, pray that competent among respondents 1 to 3 be directed to take necessary action on Ext.P1 application, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court, particularly because the festival is to commence on 05.11.2023.

Smt.Vidya Kuriakose – learned Government Pleader, submitted that 2nd respondent will certainly consider Ext.P1 application, after hearing the 4th respondent also, and take a final decision. She submitted that this would be done not later than 04.11.2023.

Sri.R.Sanjith  –  learned  counsel  appearing  for  the  4th respondent, submitted that his client has no intention of obstructing the Temple festival, since he is also a Hindu; but that he is concerned that the applicable Rules will be violated, if it is not properly monitored by the police Authorities.

Taking note of the afore submissions, I allow this writ petition and direct the 2nd respondent, or such other competent Authority, to take up Ext.P1 application of the petitioners, and issue the petitioners an appropriate licence to operate a loud speaker system between 05.11.2023 and 12.11.2023 (both dates inclusive); however, making sure that every other requisites in law are fully complied with and satisfied.

Final order in this regard shall be issued not later than 12.p.m. on 04.11.2023.