HC allows rally against superstitious practices

The Madras High Court today directed Tamil Nadu Police to allow a rationalist outfit to hold a procession and a public meeting against superstitious practices as part of its 'atheist festival' in Salem district on May 30.
Vacation Judge Justice V Dhanapalan, allowing a petition by Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam to hold the festival at Veerakalputhoor, ordered the police to permit the same with reasonable conditions.
DVK, represented by its leader E K Chokkalingam, submitted that police had denied permission to the organisation's application for the event.
He said DVK was working towards eradication of communalism and to bring social harmony in the society.

He further said the organisation had conducted such rallies in the past without any hindrance to public. Even last year, the rally was allowed only after court intervention.
By denying permission, the authorities were restraining the organisation from exploiting fundamental rights provided under the Constitution, he charged.