- विज्ञापन -
Thiruvananthapuram: Following a stern warning from the Kerala High Court regarding a CPI(M) party meeting held on December 5 in the middle of a busy road in the state capital, both the ruling party and the police have begun to take action. The court will revisit the matter on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the Kerala Police filed a case against the party leader who set up the stage on the road, along with 31 others. CPI(M) Thiruvananthapuram district secretary V. Joy, who is also a local MLA, acknowledged that the incident was a mistake and should not have occurred.
The meeting caused significant traffic disruptions, particularly as it coincided with the end of the school day and office hours. The court expressed its discontent, noting that the event was held directly opposite the Thiruvananthapuram district court and the Vanchiyoor police station.
The issue was raised in court following a petition by N. Prakash, who sought contempt proceedings against CPI(M) state Secretary M.V. Govindan and the State Police Chief for violating a court order that prohibits meetings on public roads. The court has requested the state government to submit an affidavit detailing who grants permission for such gatherings and how they obtain electricity.
Additionally, the Circle Inspector of the Vanchiyoor police station has been summoned to explain the situation. The court has indicated that it may consider the broader implications of this issue.
The petitioner highlighted that the meeting contravened two previous High Court rulings. In 2010, the court mandated that gatherings could only occur in stadiums, public grounds outside road margins, or educational institution grounds on holidays, explicitly banning meetings on public roads. A 2021 ruling further emphasized preventing encroachments that obstruct pedestrian access on public roads.
This firm directive comes amid ongoing CPI(M) meetings across the state, which frequently result in road blockages and congestion.
