The Madras High Court on Friday directed the Kolathur police in Salem district to permit V. Muthulakshmi, wife of the slain sandalwood smuggler, Veerappan, to perform ‘annadanam’ (distribution of food) on October 18 (Saturday), her husband’s death anniversary.
In a petition, she said her husband died on October 18, 2004, and his cemetery was in her village, Pottaneri Nangu Road, in Mettur taluk. Every year on the Veerappan’s death anniversary, she distributed food to the poor. But the police, by an October 13 order, denied permission without stating any reason.
In the order, Justice V. Ramasubramanian said the Additional Government Pleader, on instructions, submitted that some political parties with fringe ideologies might participate in the event and create a law and order problem.
The judge said the petitioner had submitted that she only wanted to distribute food and not to conduct a public meeting or take out a procession. The apprehension of the police could not be accepted.
