Authority: High Court of Judicature at Madras
Order Date: 03 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Management of MRF Ltd., represented by General Manager – HR Santhosh Matthew, filed Writ Petition (W.P.Crl.No.1573 of 2026 & WPMP.Crl.No.551 of 2026) under Article 226 seeking a writ of mandamus directing Respondents 1‑3 to maintain law and order and restrain Respondents 4‑7 and their supporters from assembling within 500 m of the factory at Eripakkam, Puducherry.
- Respondents 1‑3: District Collector cum District Magistrate of Puducherry, Station House Officer, Nettappakkam Police Station, and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Puducherry. Respondents 4‑7: K. Dharmasastha, K. Sanjay, Selvakumar and their supporters who led the protest.
- Background: On 29 June 2026, about 40 trainees (Respondents 4‑7) assembled at Gate No.1 demanding permanent employment, raised slogans, and entered the administrative block. On 30 June 2026, family members and supporters blocked factory entry points, hindering police control. The petitioner lodged complaints seeking police protection. The petitioner also filed civil suit O.S.No.376 of 2024 and obtained an interim injunction restraining strikes within 300 m, which was violated.
- Court’s observations: The 2024 injunction dated 16 April 2024 was not complied with; the factory could not operate for several days; the District Collector, after representation, deployed police personnel but the petitioner claimed insufficient protection.
Final Outcome
- The Court directs the District Collector (Respondent 1) to continue police protection for MRF’s factory and to ensure that no striking persons assemble illegally inside or outside the premises or within a radius of 300 meters from the main entrance.
- The writ petition is disposed of; the connected miscellaneous petition is closed; no order as to costs.
Topics: Industrial Dispute, Police Protection