Contempt Plea Filed In Kerala HC Against ASHA Workers Protest Outside Trivandrum Secretariat For Allegedly Blocking Roads, Footpath

The contempt case has been filed against MLA's Ramesh Chennithala, M Vincent, K K Rema and ex MLA Joseph M Puthuserry for participating and speaking at the protest which is being conducted in gross violation of the order of the Court.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S.Manu has directed the Registry to place the contempt petition before the Special Bench for hearing.

The ASHA workers have been protesting due to the low honorarium they receive and are demanding an increase from 7,000 rupees to 21,000 rupees. Additionally, they are requesting retirement benefits and the clearance of pending honorarium payments.

The contempt case has been filed alleging that the protest is conducted day and night by encroaching into the footpath and road infront of the Secretariat. It is alleged that chairs have been placed on the footpath and road near the Secretariat, which is obstructing traffic.

The contempt petitioner states that police have a duty to remove stages and installations which are blocking public roads and road margins, contrary to the judgement of the High Court.

The contempt case has also been filed arraying State Chief Secretary, State Police Chief, Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner, Station House Officer stating that they have a duty to ensure that roads and footpaths near the Secretariat are not blocked by the ASHA workers protest. The Petitioner has also arrayed District General Secretary, General Secretary, District President and State Member of the Kerala Asha Health Workers Association as respondents for allegedly organizing the protest in violation to the order of the Court.

Case Title: N Prakash v Ramesh Chennithala MLA & Ors.

Case No: Con. Case No. 481/2025