On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Indian Supreme Court refused to entertain a petition challenging the requirement imposed by the Madurai city police commissioner that vehicle passes for the Muruga Bakhargal Aanmeega Maanadu (Lord Murugan Conference) scheduled on June 22, 2025 must be obtained from the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) 24 hours in advance.
Read also: SC Quashes Madras HC Arrest Order Against Tamil Nadu ADGP; Probe Now Handed Over to CB-CID
The petitioner had earlier approached the Madras High Court seeking permission to apply for e-passes through the existing Tamil Nadu e-pass portal. However, the High Court refused to grant such relief, leading the petitioner to approach the Supreme Court.
The matter was heard by a vacation bench of Justices Sandeep Mehta and Prasanna B Varale.
Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the petitioner, highlighted the inconsistency in the High Court order with the country moving towards digital governance.
Read also: UP Gangsters Act cannot be used as a tool of harassment: Supreme Court
“Everywhere in the country, we are going digital. Here the High Court says e-passes will not be possible..” – Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra
Mr Luthra also pointed out that the Additional Advocate General had cited logistical difficulties as the reason for refusing to issue e-passes. In response, the bench questioned the feasibility of forcing the authorities to issue digital passes despite operational constraints.
“How can you force them?” – the Supreme Court bench told the senior advocate. Siddharth Luthra
Read also: Indian Constitution: A Revolutionary Tool for Social Transformation, not Just Governance - CJI BR Gavai
Since the petitioner had not availed the remedy of Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) before the High Court, the Supreme Court permitted the petitioner to withdraw the Special Leave Petition (SLP) and seek alternative remedy.
“He therefore prays for liberty to withdraw the special leave petition immediately so that the petitioner can avail the appropriate remedy in the High Court.” - Supreme Court
Accordingly, the SLP was withdrawn, giving the petitioner the option to pursue further legal remedy at the High Court level.
Case Title: M. ARASUPANDI VS. THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, SLP(Crl) No. 009176 - 009177 / 2025
