The Madras High Court on Tuesday refused to permit the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) to hold a public meeting in Cuddalore district on Wednesday because the police apprehended law and order problems in the wake of large-scale violence that erupted after party workers picketed NLC India Limited (NLCIL) on July 28.
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh denied permission after Additional Public Prosecutor A. Damodaran said there was every possibility of the party honouring the offenders, who had indulged in the July 28 riots, at Wednesday’s meeting and using it as an opportunity to take revenge on police officers who had acted against the rioters.
He said properties worth ₹12 lakh were damaged and 27 government vehicles were pelted with stones during the violence. The Neyveli Deupty Superintendent of Police had denied permission for the public meeting near the Vadalur bus stand since PMK workers might rake up the NLC expansion issue again.
