Justice MS Ramesh, on observing that it is common knowledge that representations and complaints are often sent to the officials, as well as to the police personnel, through post, said, “The inspector of police, Mettupalayam, will not be justified, at any point of time, in refusing to receive the said representations through post. Such conduct would amount to dereliction of the ordinary duties of their office.”

G Anandan of Coimbatore had sought permission to celebrate Jayalalithaa’s 70th birth anniversary on February 24 and to fix as many as 110 flex banners. He said the representation was made on January 24, but the Coimbatore police refused to receive it. 

Thereafter, a letter seeking permission was sent to the Mettupalayam Inspector through registered post. But this was also returned with a postal endorsement “refused.” The judge directed the DSP, Periyanaickenpalayam, to grant permission with restricted number of flex banners.