No drugs or alcohol: Madurai Bench lays down riders for kabaddi match

CHENNAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has permitted a kabaddi tournament in Madurai district and barred participants from consuming narcotic substances or alcohol. The bench authorised the police to stop the event if the conditions are violated.

The Court passed the order on a petition filed by Mukesh of Sholavandan, who approached the Madurai Bench seeking permission and police protection to conduct a kabaddi tournament at Madhaikalam in Sangankottai village, Sholavandan, Madurai district. He approached the Court after the police refused to grant permission for the event.

Justice L Victoria Gowri allowed the tournament to be held from 6 am to 10 pm on August 29 and 30 at Madhaikalam village and laid down conditions.

"The organisers and participants should not raise slogans or make chants either in support of or against any political party or its leader, caste, community or religion. They should also ensure that no untoward incident affecting public peace and tranquillity takes place," the judge ordered.

Additionally, the court also barred participants from wearing clothes with objectionable or provocative statements or images of religious or political leaders. Persons with pending criminal cases are not eligible to participate in the kabaddi tournament. "Songs praising religious leaders or those that could hurt religious sentiments should not be played during the event," the judge said.

The Court also stated that no flex boards or hoardings referring to any particular community or leader should be displayed. Participants should not consume any narcotic substances or alcohol, the judge observed.