Kerala High Court Disapproves of CPI-M Meeting Disrupting Busy Thiruvananthapuram Thoroughfare
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Kochi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Kerala High Court delivered a stern message on Tuesday regarding the ruling CPI-M's decision to hold a party meeting on a congested road in the state's capital on December 5.
This matter came to light during a court session when a petition was lodged by N. Prakash, prompting a contempt action against CPI-M state Secretary M.V. Govindan and the State Police Chief. The petition highlighted that the party meeting contravened a court order prohibiting public gatherings on public roads and their edges.
The court requested the state government to submit an affidavit clarifying who grants permission for such gatherings and inquired about the source of electricity for these events.
What particularly irritated the court was the selection of the meeting site, located directly opposite the Thiruvananthapuram district court and the Vanchiyoor police station.
The court also summoned the Circle Inspector of the Vanchiyoor police station to appear on Thursday for further explanation.
Moreover, the court indicated that it might consider the matter from a broader viewpoint.
The petitioner highlighted that this meeting breached two prior High Court orders. In 2010, the court decreed that gatherings could only occur in stadiums, designated public areas outside road margins, or educational institution grounds during holidays, explicitly prohibiting events on public roads or their edges. In a subsequent 2021 ruling, it mandated the prevention of encroachments, whether temporary or permanent, that hinder the right of way or pedestrian access on public streets.
This firm directive emerges amid ongoing CPI-M party meetings across the state, which have frequently resulted in traffic congestion and road blockages.
