Authority: Hon'ble Alok Mahra, J., Uttarakhand High Court
Order Date: Not specified
Case Overview
- Petitioner: M/s Image Trade Promotion Exposition And Event Manager; Respondents: State of Uttarakhand and others, including respondent No.6 (traders' association).
- Criminal Writ Petition (WPCRL/1575/2026) sought: (i) mandamus directing respondents to provide police and administrative security for the Uttarakhand Trade Festival 2026 at Malviya Udyan, Kotdwar until 10‑08‑2026; (ii) restraining respondent No.6 from interfering, threatening, or obstructing the exhibition; (iii) directing legal action against respondent No.6 for alleged extortion and threats.
- Permission to hold the exhibition was granted by the Sub‑Divisional Magistrate, Kotdwar, for a seven‑day period, subject to conditions. Petitioners argued respondent No.6 had no authority to curtail this permission.
Final Outcome
- Court found prima facie substance in petitioner’s submissions and held that respondent No.6, being merely a traders’ association, lacks jurisdiction to restrict the permission granted by the Sub‑Divisional Magistrate.
- The communication dated 28‑07‑2026 issued by respondent No.6 was declared without jurisdiction and cannot hinder implementation of the permission.
- Respondents No.2 and No.3 were directed to ensure adequate police protection and necessary administrative assistance to the petitioner, participating artisans, and Self‑Help Groups for the peaceful conduct of the festival up to the expiry of the permitted period (till 10‑08‑2026).
- The criminal writ petition stands disposed of.
Topics: Police Protection, Trade Festival, Jurisdiction