Island Tourist Guide and Instant Photographers Welfare Association v. The Forest Range Office

ORDER This writ petition is filed to consider the petitioner's representation, dated 21.08.2023.

¶2Heard Mr.RM.Arun Swaminathan, the Learned counsel appearing for the Petitioner, Mr.B.Saravanan, the Learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the Respondent and perused the material documents available on record. With consent of both the parties this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

¶3The petitioner is an Association, which was formed by the Photographers. The contention of the association is that they would take photos of the Tourists along with the special stones which are available in Rameswaram. The stones are weightless and hence it floats on the water. It is believed that the Rama's Bridge (Adam's Bridge) was constructed using such stones and hence the same fascinates the tourists. Hence the petitioner's Association is taking photos of the tourists along with stones and fix a price for the said photos. The members are carrying on the photography as vocation and eke out their livelihood. But the respondents are not permitted to take photos, thereby their livelihood is affected.

¶4Considering the facts and circumstance of the case, this Court is of the considered opinion that the respondents cannot interfere with the petitioners' vocation. However, if there are any dangerous spot the respondents shall ear mark the place and restrain such place being used for photography. The respondents are directed to allow the petitioner to carrying the vocation of photography.

¶5With these directions, this writ petition is allowed. Index : Yes / No

25.09.2023 Internet : Yes NCC : Yes / No ksa To The Forest Range Office Rameswaram at Thangachimadam, Ramanathapuram District. S.SRIMATHY, J ksa W.P.(MD)No. 23353 of 2023

25.09.2023

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 25.09.2023 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY W.P.(MD)No. 23353 of 2023 and W.M.P(MD)No.19540 of 2023 Island Tourist Guide and Instant Photographers Welfare Association, Represented by its Secretary, Kottaichamy S/o.Muthu, 7/25, MRT Nagar, Rameswaram Island, Ramanathapuram District. ... Petitioner Vs. The Forest Range Office Rameswaram at Thangachimadam, Ramanathapuram District. ... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to consider the petitioner's representation, dated 21.08.2023 by ensuring Article 19(1)(g) to do the profession of photography by members of the petitioner's Association. For Petitioner : Mr.RM.Arun Swaminathan For Respondent : Mr.B.Saravanan Additional Government Pleader