Citing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force for the bye-election to the Erode (East) Assembly Constituency where polling is being held scheduled for February 27The district police has denied permission to the Tamil Nadu Environment Protection Movement, which wanted to protest by showing black flags during Chief Minister MK Stalin’s visit to Erode on February 24.
Erode Town Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) S Ananthakumar refused the permission citing law and order issues. The police also said in a letter sent to agitation coordinator and activist RS Mugilan that the MCC is in force for the bypolls. Besides, Section 30(2) of the Police Act, 1861 was in force, wherein DSPs could control public assemblies likely to cause breach of the peace, and hence, permission to protest was denied, the communication said .
Mr. Mugilan had Recently asked permission Claiming from the district police that the state government had failed to protect the lives of social activists who had drawn attention to a case of illegal mining of minerals in Chennimalai.
The activist had alleged that the central secretary of the AIADMK encroached on government land in Ekkattampalayam panchayat of Perundurai block, which extracted minerals worth Rs 16 crore, and despite several petitions to revenue officials and the police, no action has been taken so far Has been . Therefore, during Mr. Stalin’s visit to Erode for the election campaign, he wanted to protest against the black flag in a democratic manner.