Kerala High Court Considers Contempt Proceedings Against CPI-M for Road Blockage
Click to start listening
Kochi, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court expressed strong concerns on Monday as it examined a petition against CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan for directing a party conference on a primary road in the state capital. The court is contemplating whether to initiate suo moto contempt proceedings against party leaders for this flagrant breach of regulations.
On December 5, mere hours before the conference commenced in the evening, one lane of the road was obstructed, resulting in significant traffic disruptions coinciding with the time when schools were letting out and offices were closing for the day.
The court was particularly troubled by the fact that the conference took place directly across from the Thiruvananthapuram district court and the Vanchiyoor police station.
One of the primary reasons behind the court's stern response is the alarming statistic that shows 40,821 road accidents have been recorded in the state this year up until October, resulting in the deaths of 3,168 individuals and injuries to 45,657 people.
According to data from the official website of the Kerala Police, the number of road accidents in Kerala for the year 2024 up until October stands at 40,821, with 3,168 fatalities and 45,657 injuries. The prevalence of reckless and negligent driving in the state has escalated to a level that even pedestrians using footpaths or waiting at pedestrian crossings sustain serious injuries. In light of this, the bench remarked on the need to deliberate whether to initiate suo moto contempt proceedings under Article 215 of the Constitution of India for openly disregarding the court's directives as stipulated in WPC No.11886 of 2021.
On Monday, the state police chief submitted a report in response to the court's request for a list of individuals who were on stage and those who attended the meeting.
The court further emphasized that the rise in accidents within the state, coupled with the construction of unauthorized structures on roads, amplifies risks for pedestrians. It orally stated: “Individuals attending a public meeting on a stage erected on a public road must bear the consequences, or the organizers and attendees should face repercussions… They must be held accountable; we will determine how to address these issues,” the court declared, scheduling the next hearing for Wednesday.
The court's stringent position on this matter has sent ripples of concern through the ruling CPI-M, particularly as this case emerged amid their party's final phase of meetings, with 13 more district gatherings slated ahead of the state party conference set for March this year. For CPI-M, roads have often been a preferred venue to demonstrate their organizational strength.
