Vizhinjam Protests: Kerala HC Orders State To Comply With Directions For Unhindered Access To Adani's Port Site, Seeks Report

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday reiterated that State must take steps to ensure unhindered access to under-construction Vizhinjam Port site, in compliance with its previous order issued last month.

Justice Anu Sivaraman was hearing the contempt petition filed by M/S Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd, alleging willful disobedience of Court's order dated September 1, whereby it had granted police protection to company's employees and workmen and had ordered free ingress and egress to the construction site.

Today, the bench orally observed,

"There's no question of obstructing any protest. Protests can go on peacefully. The only question is regarding whether the ingress and egress is open. Even going by the order of the SDM, it appears that there is obstruction".

The Counsel for the petitioner told the Court that even the Sub Divisional Magistrate had recognized obstruction to heavy vehicles due to erection of protest sheds at the Project site. He submitted that the protests constitute a grave law and order situation in Vizhinjam.

The Court ordered, 

"It is for government to see that ingress and egress is not blocked; please take steps to see that the Orders of the Court is complied with and reported". 

The contempt petition has been filed through Advocates Roshen D. Alexander, Tina Alex Thomas, Harimohan M., Roshen & Roshen Advocates.

The matter has been posted for further hearing on Friday (30th September 2022).

Case Title: M/S Adani Vizhinjam Ports Pvt Ltd & Ors v. Dr. V.P. Joy IAS & Ors.