Ensure Upcoming PFI March Ignites No Law & Order Problems In Alappuzha: Kerala High Court Directs District Police Chief

The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the District Police Chief of Alappuzha to ensure that no law and order problems surface at the 'Jana Maha Sammelanam' proposed to be conducted by the Popular Front of India (PFI) this Saturday in the district.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan admitted the plea and also directed the 5th respondent Police Chief to consider the representation moved the petitioner alleging that unless the programmes scheduled by the PFI and Bajrangdal are prevented, there is every chance for communal clashes in the district.

The matter will be taken up for further consideration next Friday. 

The petitioner had moved the Court through Advocate Sreekumar G. Chelur alleging that the district of Alappuzha had faced violent clashes during the last few months, citing several political murders by cadres belonging to rival political organizations. The brutal attacks also witnessed subsequent inflammatory speeches, which led to the registration of crimes in different police stations in the district, he argued.

Despite the district being still volatile for further attacks, the respondents have allegedly not taken effective steps to curtail the same, the petitioner alleged.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Committee of PFI announced that it will be conducting 'Jana Maha Sammelanam' at Alappuzha on 21.05.2022. A Volunteer March of the Cadres of the Popular Front of India, in their uniform, is also scheduled to be held on the said date. It is understood that Cadres of the PFI from all the districts of Kerala will be assembling in the district. National leaders and leaders from other states are also excepted to address the conference, it was averred.

The petitioner submitted that the cadres of the Popular Front of India have been convicted and accused in different murder cases. Further, the recent attacks and the subsequent inflammatory speeches reveal that the entire district of the Alappuzha is still volatile to communal clashes.

It was also submitted that considering the threat posed by these programs, the petitioner had filed a representation before the District Police Chief seeking his indulgence in the issue and to prevent the programs scheduled by the rival organisations. However, the respondents have allegedly not taken any action to prevent the programs.

Aggrieved by the inaction on the part of the respondents, the petitioner moved the Court praying that the respondents be directed to ensure that no processions, Marches, Mass Drill, Motor Cycle Rally etc. are being conducted by the Popular Front of India or Bajrangdal at Alappuzha District, pending disposal of the writ petition.

Case Title: R.Ramaraja Varma v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2022 LiveLaw (Ker) 233