The Madras High Court has responded to a PIL by directing the TN DGP and Chennai Police Commissioner to consider extending park and beach hours, aiming to alleviate the challenges of extreme summer heat for Chennai residents. This decision seeks to provide relief amidst high temperatures affecting daily life.
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CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) and the Chennai Police Commissioner to address a public interest litigation (PIL) brought forth by a local resident. The petition advocates for extending the operating hours of public parks and beaches to assist citizens in dealing with the intense summer heat. This decision aims to provide relief from the high temperatures that have made daily life difficult for many residents.
On May 22, a vacation bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and PB Balaji issued a notice to the DGP and the Police Commissioner, requiring them to file their responses to the PIL by June 6. The petition, which highlights the pressing need for extended public access to outdoor spaces during the night, has brought attention to the urgent issue of managing public health and well-being during the extreme summer season.
The PIL was filed by RK Jaleel, a resident of Chennai and a social activist, through his counsel T Sivaganasambandan. In his plea, Jaleel emphasized that Chennai has become “unbearably hot,” with daytime temperatures expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. He argued that the high temperatures have forced most people to remain indoors, negatively impacting their mental health.
“The heat in Chennai has reached intolerable levels.”
-Jaleel stated in his plea.
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He highlighted the importance of allowing citizens to access outdoor spaces during cooler evening hours to help mitigate the adverse effects of the intense heat.
Jaleel recounted a personal experience earlier this month when he visited Thiruvanmiyur beach in Chennai with his family. They, along with others, were asked to leave the beach by local police at around 9:30 PM. This incident underscored the need for extended access to such recreational areas.
Jaleel urged the Court to direct the police to permit citizens to stay on beaches and at parks until late hours. He contended that such measures are necessary to provide a respite from the extreme weather conditions and to promote public health.
In his petition, Jaleel pointed out that the extreme heat has confined people to their homes, which has had a detrimental effect on their mental well-being. The inability to enjoy outdoor activities during cooler evening hours has exacerbated the situation, making it imperative for authorities to reconsider current restrictions.
The Madras High Court’s directive to the DGP and the Commissioner of Police of Chennai marks an important step towards addressing this issue. By seeking responses from the authorities, the Court aims to explore viable solutions that can offer immediate relief to the residents of Chennai. The hearing set for June 6 will be crucial in determining the course of action that the police will take in response to the PIL.
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The outcome of this case could set a precedent for other cities facing similar issues during extreme weather conditions. Allowing extended hours at public parks and beaches could become a model for ensuring public well-being and mental health during challenging climatic conditions.
