Police Commissioner tenders unconditional apology to HC

The Commissioner of Police, Greater Chennai, S George, today gave an unconditional apology before the Madras High Court and prayed that he be relieved of contempt of court proceedings in a petition regarding permission granted to instal idols on the roads.
In his counter affidavit, the Commissioner said he has great respect for court orders and never intend to violate them.
"As per the directions issued by the court on August 11, the instructions issued in memorandum dated September 10, 2005 by the Director General of Police, Chennai, were duly followed in installation of idols in public places," he said.

He submitted power supply was procured by the organizers through private diesel generator sets and no supply was given by TANGEDCO.
If the installation of idol was not allowed, there was every "possibility of creation of unnecessary complications due to religious sentiments of local residents." He submitted that several residents had approached police for permitting them to celebrate the festival in the particular place.
"Considering the request and religious sentiments expressed by the local residents, the police department could not take severe action to remove the idol during the festival season and if any stringent action is initiated, it may cause serious law and order problem in the locality."

He said only the petitioner was making serious allegations against installation of idol in the particular place for reasons best known to him. He further submitted that not even a single representation was received from the general public against the installation of the idol and tendered unconditional apology and prayed the court to relieve him from contempt proceedings.

Activist 'Traffic' Ramaswamy alleged in his contempt petition that an idol of Lord Vinayagar (Ganesh) was installed on Venkatanarayanan Road, T.Nagar without any permission from authorities and that the August 11 court order had been violated.
The court had directed on a PIL filed by Ramaswamy that authorities should strictly follow instructions in circulars which stated that an official concerned should insist on production of No Objection Certificate from Electricity Board before allowing conduct of meetings and festivals.

Ramaswamy said authorities permit installation of idols on the road sides which causes inconvenience to the general public and sought a direction to the authorities not to permit installation of idols on the road side. He also sought a direction from the court to insist on NOC from the Electricity Board while seeking permission from authorities for conducting meetings and festivals.