Kerala High Court Seeks State's Response To Plea Seeking Ban On Demonstrations, Festivals On Public Roads

Justice N Nagaresh also directed the petitioner to implead all temple and church committees as respondents in the matter since he was seeking a ban on temple festivals as well in public places.

The petition was filed in the wake of protests organised by Congress against the recent fuel price hike on November 1st and the pursuant attack against actor Joju George, who raised his voice against the protest blocking traffic.

The petitioner had sought to cancel the affiliation of parties who organized such demonstrations and meetings on public roads.

When the petition came up for hearing, the State argued that the writ petition was not maintainable since he had no private grievance but merely bold allegations in the matter.

The State also alleged that political parties were not made respondents in the case.

The petitioner responded that the State and police were not taking any action to ensure the right of the public to travel when protests are organised.