Lawful skill-based recreational activity protected, with police intervention preserved against unlawful conduct and imposed safeguards upheld.

Police interference in a recreational club may be restrained where the activities are confined to lawful skill-based games, but the club can be subjected to reasonable safeguards to ensure compliance. The Court required CCTV installation, identity cards for members, restrictions on non-members and guests, and a prohibition on games of chance, stakes, profit or gain. The police were given liberty to visit the premises and take action if any unlawful activity was noticed. Lawful recreational activity was protected, while police authority to intervene against illegality was preserved.

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Issues: Whether the petitioner association running recreational skill-based games was entitled to protection against police interference and whether the police could take action only in respect of unlawful activity.

Analysis: The petitioner stated that its activities were confined to recreation through skill-based games and that no illegal activity was being carried on. The respondents stated that they would not interfere with lawful recreational activities, but would proceed in accordance with law if any illegal activity was found. The Court disposed of the writ petition by imposing safeguards such as CCTV installation, identity cards for members, restriction on non-members and guests, and a prohibition on games of chance, stakes, profit or gain. The police were given liberty to visit the premises and take action if any unlawful activity was noticed.

Conclusion: The petitioner was protected against interference in lawful recreational activities, but only subject to compliance with the imposed conditions and the police's power to act against unlawful conduct.

Final Conclusion: The writ petition was disposed of with regulatory directions securing the petitioner's lawful activities while preserving the respondents' authority to intervene against illegality.

Ratio Decidendi: Police interference in a recreational club may be restrained in respect of lawful skill-based activities, but the club may be subjected to reasonable safeguards and police action can continue where unlawful or prohibited activity is involved.

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