IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Dated: 23.12.2009
Coram
The Honourable Mr. Justice S.TAMILVANAN
Crl. R.C.No.1195 of 2009
and M.P.No.1 of 2009
D.Vikram .. Petitioner
vs.
1. Dr.Jayavarthavavelu
2. S.Pathy
3. R.Kumaravel
4. The Revenue Divisional Officer
Coimbatore. .. Respondents
Revision preferred under Sections 397 & 401 of Criminal Procedure Code against the final order, dated 27.11.2009 passed under Section 133 Cr.P.C. by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore.
For petitioner : Mr.R.C.Paul Kanagaraj
For respondents : Mr.R.Krishnamoorthy, Senior Counsel
for Mr.R.Bharath Kumar for R1
Mr.A.Ramesh, Senior Counsel
for Mr.V.Samuthira Vijayan for R2 & R3
Mr.N.Kumanan, G.A. (Crl.side) for R4
O R D E R
Challenging the order of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore, dated 27.11.2009, made in Ref.No.2966/A2 under Section 133 Cr.P.C., the criminal revision has been preferred by the petitioner herein.
2. In exercise of the powers vested under Section 138 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore has passed the impugned order and the operative portion of the order reads as follows :
"a) That the order passed by me on 03.09.2009 under Section 133 Cr.P.C., is made absolute without any modification.
b) That the respondent shall not carry on the activity of keeping or holding any dogs in said premises situated at Door No.28, Circuit House Road, Coimbatore and he shall forthwith remove all the dogs in his capacity and possession, failing which it shall be enforced according to law."
3. On the complaint given by the respondents 1 to 3 herein before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, that the petitioner herein had been causing public nuisance by keeping large number of dogs of different varieties in the rear side of his house at Door No.28, Circuit House Road, Coimbatore abutting the wall of Door No.26 of Thiru.D.Jayavarthavavelu and abutting the wall of the residential house of Thiru.R.Kumaravel, residing at Door No.703, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore and also close to the house of the second respondent, the action was taken by the fourth respondent herein. As per the complaint given against the petitioner herein, he was keeping more than 30 dogs of different varieties in his house, violating the provisions of Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act. It was further stated that constantly, the dogs were making peculiar noises of barking and howling during night hours and also in the early morning hours, which affects the respondents 1 to 3, their family members and others and also create an unhealthy atmosphere besides causing annoyance, as the dogs emit foul smell, causing inconvenience to the residents and guests in the area.
4. In the impugned order, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate has stated that he went through the affidavit, counter affidavit and also considered the evidence adduced by the power agent of the complainants and also the reports of the Inspector of Police, B4 Police Station, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central) and the report of the Joint Director of Health Services. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate held that the dogs are to be removed considering the public interest and the public health. The order further reads that the Commissioner, Coimbatore Corporation had also reported that no NOC was granted for keeping the dogs in the residential area and some dogs are found ferocious in nature and the dogs are kept by the petitioner herein only for commercial purposes and hence, the nuisance caused by the petitioner is construed as a public nuisance, as defined under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
5. Mr.R.C.Paul Kanagaraj, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the fourth respondent, Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore has not followed the mandatory provisions while passing orders under Section 133 Cr.P.C., for the removal of pet animals. According to the learned counsel, the provisions of Section 133 Cr.P.C., cannot be invoked against the petitioner, as the provision is available only to remove the hazardous animals. The second point raised by the learned counsel for the petitioner is that none of the complainants, the respondents 1 to 3 herein had adduced any evidence to substantiate the averments in the complaint given by them and the evidence adduced by the power agent before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate is not sustainable and the same has to be rejected. The third contention is that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate has failed to note the animosity of the respondents 1 to 3 with the petitioner in connection with the kennel club competition and that the respondents 1 to 3 are also rearing pet animals in their houses. According to the learned counsel, keeping the dogs by the petitioner cannot be construed as a public nuisance to invoke Section 133 Cr.P.C, since they are only pet animals.
6. Per contra, Mr.R.Krishnamoorthy, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the first respondent submitted that the petitioner was keeping huge number of dogs, 30 in number as stated in the impugned order in a residential area. The barking and the howling of the dogs and emitting of foul smell causing hazardous condition to the residents of the area, which is a public nuisance. The learned Senior counsel has also drew the attention of this Court to Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act, which reads as follows :
"352. Licences for places in which animals are kept (1) The owner or occupier of any stable, veterinary infirmary, stand, shed, yard or other place in which animals or quadrupeds are kept or taken in for purposes of profit shall apply to the commissioner for a licence not less than forty-five and not more than ninety days before the opening of such place or the commencement of the year for which the licence is sought to be renewed, as the case may be.
(2) The commissioner may, by an order and under such restrictions and regulations as he thinks fit, grant or refuse to grant such licence.
(3) No person shall, without or otherwise than in conformity with a licence, use any place or allow any place to be used for any such purpose."
7. According to the learned Senior Counsel, without obtaining any licence from the authorities, the petitioner is keeping huge number of dogs for commercial purposes and some of the dogs are ferocious and also drew the attention of this Court to Article 21 of the Constitution of India and argued that right to live peacefully without noise pollution and hazardous condition is a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution and that the act of the petitioner keeping large number of dogs of different varieties at the residential area is detrimental to the fundamental right of the respondents 1 to 3 and the other residents. According to the learned Senior Counsel, there are aged heart patients in the residential area and the howling and barking of dogs, especially during night hours would endanger the life of such aged and ailing persons.
8. Mr.R.C.Paul Kanagaraj, learned counsel for the petitioner contended that the petitioner is keeping only pet dogs and not for any commercial purposes and therefore, Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act has no relevance in this case. The learned counsel also requested the Court to grant interim stay against the impugned order passed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Coimbatore.
9. As per Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act, 1981, the owner or occupier of any stable, veterinary infirmary, stand, shed, yard or other place in which animals or quadrupeds are kept or taken in for the purposes of profit shall apply to the commissioner for a licence not less than 45 and not more than 90 days before the opening of such place or the commencement of the year for which the licence is sought to be renewed, as the case may be. As per sub-section 3, no person shall, without or otherwise than in conformity with a licence, use any place or allow any place to be used for any such purpose. Therefore, it is clear that as per the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act, 1981, animals or quadrupeds cannot be kept without obtaining license from the authorities.
10. Mr.R.C.Paul Kanagaraj, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that Section 352 of the said Act is applicable if the animals are kept for the purpose of earning profit and in the instant case, the dogs are being kept only as pet animals and therefore, the aforesaid Section is not applicable.
11. Per contra, Mr.A.Ramesh, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the respondents 2 and 3 drew the attention of this Court to the typed set filed by the respondents, wherein at page number 12, by way of an affidavit, the respondents as complainant before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate have stated that the petitioner herein had published an advertisement, that he had been keeping dogs for sale and the downloaded advertisement in the internet was also produced as a document along with the affidavit, which is available at page number 14 of the typed set. Under the head, "Champion line Great dane pups for sale Coimbatore champion great dane pups for sale" has been published, wherein the price of the dog is stated at Rs.17,000/- and further, in the advertisement, 3 male and one female dogs have been stated.
12. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the advertisement was not made by the petitioner in the internet, however, it is seen that the aforesaid downloaded advertisement copy was filed with an affidavit by the respondents 1 to 3 herein before the 4th respondent, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Coimbatore, that was not disputed by the petitioner herein. Hence, it is not open to the petitioner herein to dispute the same in the revision.
13. Though the petitioner is admittedly keeping number of dogs, in the petition mentioned premises, the petitioner has not specifically stated as to how many dogs are being kept by him at the residential area, for the reasons best known to him. When the impugned order specifically says that the petitioner was keeping more than 30 dogs, it is the duty of the revision petitioner to furnish the details. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, during his arguments submitted that the petitioner was keeping only 6 to 7 dogs and not 30 dogs, as stated in the impugned order.
14. In order to enlighten the legal aspect, learned counsel appearing for both sides have cited the following decisions in support of their contention :
1. Bhaba Kanta vs. Ramachandra, 1987 Crl.L.J 1155
2. Manuel Philip vs. State, AIR 1967 Goa, Daman and Diu 1
3. Donnington Tea Factory vs. Sub-Divisional Magistrate & Sub-Collector, Connoor, 1998 Crl.L.J 3585
4. Prem Charan vs. State of U.P, 1976 Crl.L.J 1451
5. M/s. Shiraz Cinema vs. Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Crimes (HC) 2 (1988) 250
6. Ramachandra Malojirao Bhonsle vs. Rasikhbai Govardhanbhai Raiyani, 2001 Crl.L.J 866
7. Jagdamba Prasad Tewari & another vs. State of U.P. & others, 1991 Crl.L.J 1883
8. Bali vs. State of Rajasthan, 2001 Crl.L.J 909
9. Madan Mohan Chowlia vs. Ashutosh Sasmal and others, 1975 Crl.L.J 959
10. Jagdamba Prasad Tewari & another vs. State of U.P. & others, Crimes (HC) 2 (1991) 635.
11. Vasant Manga Mahajan and others vs. Baburao Bhikanna Naidu and another, 1979 Crl.L.J 526
12. Ramasamy, M vs. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, etc., 1988 Mad LW Crl 62
13. Thaneswar Bora vs. Kumud Sarmah, 1987 Crl.L.J 1293
14. The Manager, Kodanad Estate vs. The S.D.M and the Asst. Collector, Coonoor, 2008 (2) MWN (Cr.) 383
15. Preman, P. vs. M.P.Andy, 1997 (1) CTC 305
16. Janki Vashdeo Bhojwani vs. Indusind Bank Limited, 2005 (3) MLJ 109 (SC)
15. In Bhaba Kanta vs. Ramachandra reported in 1987 Crl.L.J 1155, the Gauhati High Court has held that proceedings under Sections 133, 145 and 147 of the Code of Criminal Procedure cannot be allowed to be continued side by side when there is enough time to go to Civil Court. The decision is not applicable to the facts and circumstances of the case, since keeping the dogs in the residential area resulting in barking and howling is an unbearable annoyance, a public nuisance to the aged and ailing people in a residential zone. In such circumstances, the party need not go to the Civil Court, seeking redressal.
16. In Manuel Philip vs. State, reported in AIR 1967 Goa, Daman and Diu 1, it has been held that before action can be taken under Section 133 Cr.P.C, the obstruction or nuisance must be proved to exist on some way, river or channel which may lawfully be used by the public or on some public place. If the obstruction or nuisance is on some private property, action under Section 133 Cr.P.C., cannot be taken. Here in the instant case, the noise pollution, by way of barking and howling cannot be construed as a private nuisance, as it affects public at large in a residential area.
17. In M/s. Shiraz Cinema vs. Srinagar Municipal Corporation, reported in Crimes (HC) 2 (1988) 250, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has held that Section 133 Cr.P.C., providces for the remove of public nuisance. The purpose and object of Section 133 Cr.P.C is not intended to settle private disputes between two members of the public but is intended to protect the public as a whole against the inconvenience of public nuisance. No doubt that the provisions of Section 133 Cr.P.C., cannot be used for settlement of disputes between private parties. In the instant case, it cannot be construed that there is any attempt to settle any private dispute.
18. This Court in the decision, Preman, P. vs. M.P.Andy, reported in 1997 (1) CTC 305 has held that the Executive Magistrate directing cutting and removal of branches that protrude over respondents house is a case where private rights are involved.
19. In Janki Vashdeo Bhojwani vs. Indusind Bank Limited, reported in 2005 (3) MLJ 109 (SC), the Hon'ble Supreme Court has held that the power of attorney holder cannot depose evidence for any act done by the principal, without any personal knowledge. In the instant case, the power of attorney has deposed the evidence from his personal knowledge, he has also stated the same in his evidence and he was also cross-examined on behalf of the petitioner herein. No doubt, no power of attorney holder can depose anything on the personal knowledge of his principal, however, in the instant case, the evidence deposed by the power of attorney is only from his knowledge, regarding the keeping of dogs by the petitioner. Further, keeping of dogs by the petitioner in the residential area is not disputed by the petitioner.
20. The Court can take judicial notice that barking and howling of dogs in a residential area would certainly cause noise pollution and further, keeping those animals in the residential area, without getting license under Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act is also violation. On the aforesaid circumstances, this Court is of the view that the decisions cited on the side of the petitioner would not make the action taken by the 4th respondent, Sub-Divisional Magistrate illegal to remove the public nuisance under Section 133 Cr.P.C. Keeping animals detrimental to the interest of the other residents cannot be a right of any person.
21. The Court can take judicial notice that keeping even 6 or 7 dogs in a residential area will cause public nuisance on account of barking and howling of the dogs, similarly, emitting foul smell by the dogs cannot be ruled out, which would also cause public nuisance.
22. Mr.A.Ramesh, learned Senior counsel appearing for the respondents 2 and 3 relying on the decision of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Indore Bench in Krishna Gopal vs. State of M.P., (1986 Crl. L.J 396) submitted that the jurisdiction of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate can be invoked under Section 133 (1) Cr.P.C., on receiving the report of the Police Officer or other information and on taking such evidence if any, as he thinks fit. It was held that on information received, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate is empowered to take action in this behalf for either removal or regularising a public nuisance. The action that was initiated on the basis of a Police Report and the complaint received, could be the basis for taking action under Section 133 Cr.P.C. It has been held that merely because only one complainant has come forward to complain about the nuisance, the nuisance cannot be construed that there was no public nuisance, as contemplated under Section 133 Cr.P.C. In the instant case, there was complaints by three persons and they complained before the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, in order to remove the public nuisance and further, as per the impugned order, it is made clear that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate has considered the reports of the Inspector of Police, B4 Police Station, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central) and the report of the Joint Director of Health Services and that the Commissioner, Coimbatore Corporation has also reported that no NOC was issued for rearing dogs at the residence of the petitioner.
23. It is not in dispute that public nuisance may be an annoyance, by way of unbearable noise or emitting foul smell. The barking and howling of dogs at the residential area is certainly be construed as a public nuisance, since it is an annoyance to public at the residential area. Keeping number of dogs in a residential area would also emit foul smell, injurious to the public health. It cannot be said by the petitioner that there was no howling or barking by the dogs or no emitting of foul smell, since more number of dogs were kept nearby the residence of the respondents 1 to 3. In a civilized society, every one has a right to live peacefully without noise pollution and health hazardous atmosphere, which has been recognised as a fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
24. Even the conduct of any trade or occupation or keeping of any goods or merchandise, injurious to health or physical comfort of the community, could be construed only as a public nuisance. The noise pollution or air pollution cannot be ruled out as an exception. As held by the Kerala High Court, in Madhavi vs. Thilakan, reported in 1989 Crl. L.J 499, with reference to Articles 21 and 47 of the Constitution of India and Section 133 Cr.P.C, it cannot be disputed that right to live includes right to live in peace, to sleep in peace and right to repose good health. Running workshop in certain circumstances can cause air pollution and noise pollution, which could be regulated or prohibited by the authority in invoking the provisions of law. The noise and fuels emanating from the workship will cause health hazardous. Noise pollution and emitting foul smell by keeping dogs in a residential area is no way a lesser hazardous condition than a factory creating noise pollution. Barking and howling of dogs and emitting foul smell in a residential area is undoubtedly a public nuisance.
25. The power under Section 133 Cr.P.C. is vested with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Executive Magistrate, in order to protect the people from the tyranny of the public nuisance, by way of removing the nuisance.
26. It is also an admitted fact that the petitioner has not obtained any license from the authorities, as contemplated under Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act, 1981, for keeping dogs. The petitioner is keeping number of dogs not as pet dogs, but for commercial purposes. The power agent of respondents 1 to 3 was examined and he has specifically stated that he was conversant with the facts of the case and he was also cross-examined by the petitioner herein and therefore, there is no error in considering the evidence of the power agent of the complainants, when it is supported by other material evidence available on record. It has been made clear that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate was empowered under Section 133 Cr.P.C., for removal of nuisance and to protect the people from public nuisance. The dogs, being kept by the petitioner were causing nuisance by way of barking and howling in the residential area of the respondents 1 to 3 and hence, the action taken by the 4th respondent under Section 133 Cr.P.C., cannot be construed as an illegal act.
27. As held by the Hon'ble Apex Court, nuisance is an inconvenience which materially interferes with the ordinary physical comfort of human existence, but it is not capable of precise definition. Section 133 attracts only public nuisance, as held by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Vasant Manga Nikumba vs. Baburao Bhikanna Naidu, reported in (1995) 4 (Supp) SCC 54. If the inconvenience or annoyance affects public at large, that has to be construed only as public nuisance. In the instant case, it has been established that barking and howling of the dogs have caused inconvenience and annoyance to the respondents 1 to 3 as well as other people residing in the locality and therefore, it is only a public nuisance. Similarly, emitting foul smell is also a public nuisance, causing inconvenience to all the people residing in the locality. As a matter of right, no one is entitled to keep dogs or other animals in a residential area, so as to create public nuisance. Considering the barking and howling of dogs, in addition to emitting foul smell, the concerned authority, empowered under Section 133 Cr.P.C., can take action to remove the nuisance.
28. The object and purpose behind Section 133 of the Code is essentially to prevent public nuisance and which involves a sense of urgency in the sense that if the Magistrate fails to take recourse immediately irreparable damage would be done to the public, as decided by the Hon'ble Apex court in State of M.P. vs. Kedia Leather & Liquor Ltd., reported in 2003 SCC (Cri) 1642.
29. It has been held by the Hon'ble Apex Court in Francis Coralie vs. Union Territory of Delhi, reported in AIR 1981 SC 746 that right to life enshrined in Article 21 cannot be restricted to mere animal existence. It means something much more than just physical survival. The right to life includes the right to live with human dignity and all that goes along with it, namely the bare necessaries of life such as adequate nutrition, clothing and shelter in a nuisance and hazardous free atmosphere.
30. In Olga Tellis vs. Bombay Municipal Corporation, reported in AIR 1986 SC 180, the Constitution Bench of the Hon'ble Apex Court has held that the procedure prescribed by the Bombay Municipal Corporation Act under Section 314 of the Act for removal of encroachments from pavements over which the public has the right of passage or access cannot be regarded as unreasonable, unfair or an unjust act.
31. In Vincent vs. Union of India, reported in AIR 1987 SC 990, the Hon'ble Supreme Court has held that in a welfare state, it is the obligation of the State to ensure the creation and the sustaining of conditions congenial to good health. In the instant case, it is clear that the respondents 1 to 3 and others are residing in a residential area, where the petitioner is keeping number of dogs, violating Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act. Barking and howling of dogs in a residential area will certainly spoil the peaceful and congenial atmosphere of the public in the residential area.
32. It is the duty of the authorities and municipal administration to remove the nuisance, in order to regulate the same, in the interest of the public. Obtaining license has been prescribed under Section 352 of the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation Act. Even if license is obtained by a person, the affected persons can file a complaint to take action under Section 133 Cr.P.C., in order to prevent noise pollution or other hazardous condition.
33. It is well settled that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or any Executive Magistrate is vested with the power to take action, under Section 133 Cr.P.C., to remove any public nuisance. In the instant case, it has been clearly established that the petitioner is keeping large number of dogs, without obtaining license for commercial purposes and also caused noise pollution and hazardous atmosphere in the residential area of the respondents 1 to 3 and therefore, I am of the view that there is no error or infirmity in the impugned order to be interfered with by this Court and hence, the revision is liable to be dismissed.
34. In the result, confirming the order passed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore, the Criminal Revision Petition is dismissed. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is also dismissed.
tsvn
To
1. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore.
2.The Public Prosecutor, High Court,
Madras
