Anjan Friends Sports and Recreation Association v. the State of Karnataka
Mandamus – Police interference with registered recreation association
Case brief
What is this about?
Anjan Friends Sports and Recreation Association; Prasad Babu E; Y N Hosakote Police Station; Superintendent of Police Tumakuru; Pavagada; indoor games carom chess table tennis kabbadi snookers rummy; police interference and intimidation; writ of mandamus Articles 226 and 227; Karnataka Societies Registration Act 1960 registration DRTU/SOR/291/2025-2026 dated 18.12.2025; Karnataka Police Act 1963 Sections 2(14) 2(15) Section 2(7) Explanation II; games of skill versus games of chance; stakes and profit; CC TV camera condition six weeks 15 days footage; member identity cards raids surveillance; D.V.R Recreation Club Vs State of Karnataka W.A.No.20090/2015; W.P.No.21010/2023; Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum; disposed with directions.
What did the court decide?
Petition disposed of with directions: respondents 1 and 2 not to interfere with the lawful recreational activities of the petitioner-Association, subject to conditions on the petitioner (CC TV installation within six weeks with 15-day footage available to police, member identity cards, no games of chance or play with stakes except games of skill, mechanism against unlawful play); police retain liberty to visit the premises and to take action in accordance with law against unlawful or immoral activity.