Kerala High Court Seeks Report Of Police Chief In Contempt Case Against CPI(M) State Secretary For Blocking Road To Hold Party Conference
Tellmy Jolly
12 Dec 2024 4:30 PM IST
The Kerala High Court has sought instructions from the State Police Chief regarding the construction of a stage for the CPI(M) party's area conference and consequent obstruction of roads in front of the District Court complex and police station in Vanchiyoor on December 05, 2024.
The Division bench of Justice Anil K.Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S was hearing the contempt petition filed against against CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan for leading the party area conference by allegedly blocking public roads.
Court stated, “After considering all the materials, we deem it appropriate to direct the learned Advocate General to get instructions from State Police Chief regarding blocking of roads in front of the Vanchiyoor District Court complex and Vanchiyoor police station”
The Station House Officer (Circle Inspector) of the Vanchiyoor police station, who appeared before the Court today submitted that the general convenor of Palayam area conference of CPI(M) refused to remove the stage. The station house officer also submitted a report mentioning the details of persons who were involved in this party area conference.
The Court reviewed the footage from the incident and noted that the blockade resulted in difficulties for the general public. Court said, “large number of school children of tender age travelling in scooter along with parents and those in educational institution buses are seen in video clippings. In addition we have seen a new born baby along with mother in a car.”
The Court further noted that zebra crossing was also obstructed, causing great difficulty to pedestrians. It stated that this would amount to statutory violations and would attract penal consequences.
The Court also inquired about another event held earlier this week in front of the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram, which involved blocking the footpath. It noted that the interim order dated June 8, 2021, in the case of Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce v. State of Kerala dealt with a similar issue. In that case, the Court had ruled that encroachments, whether temporary or permanent, should be prevented if they obstruct the right of way or pedestrian facilities on public roads.
At this juncture, the Court said, “The question as to whether suo moto proceedings have to be initiated for that incident conducted in front of Secretariat openly flouting court's directions will be considered in the next hearing.”
The matter has been posted for further hearing next week.
Case Title: N Prakash v M V Govindan Master
Case Number: Con Case (C) No. 3252/2024
