Sec 144 at Radhapuram only for regulation: HC

CHENNAI: Clamping of Section 144 of the CrPC in Radhapuram taluk in Tirunelveli district is only a regulation and not a prohibition altogether for avoiding breach of peace, and therefore not inclined to interfere with the order passed by the District Collector, the Madras High Court has observed.The first bench comprising Chief Justice MY Eqbal and Justice TS Sivagnanam made the observation on Monday while dismissing a batch of public interest writ petitions from advocate P Pugalenthi and others, challenging the Section 144 order and confirming its earlier interim order passed on March 22 last.The bench made it clear that the district administration should ensure supply of essential commodities like milk, water and electricity and bus facilities and take all steps against the persons indulging in activities like digging of roads and blocking roads with boulders and pillars, by taking action in accordance with law. It was needless to state that any person aggrieved by the prohibitory order would be at liberty to avail the remedy available under sub-clause (5) of the section, if so advised, the bench added.