Kochi: The High Court has said that those who violated the law by blocking the road and setting up a stage to hold a CPM conference in Thiruvananthapuram will have to face consequences. The court asked how the stage for the CPM conference was set up. Was the stage set up by digging up the road? The High Court division bench also clarified that if the road was dug up, then the case is different.
The court observed that the protest was held by blocking the road in front of the Thiruvananthapuram Secretariat through the Joint Council, a branch of the CPI. How could they block the road in front of the Secretariat and set up a stage? The High Court directed that a case be registered against those who act in this manner under criminal procedure.
The court has banned protests that block road traffic many times. Yet, the court asked how such protests are taking place. Protests can be seen taking place in front of the Kochi Municipality, including on the footpath. The court also noted that the current situation is such that even pedestrians cannot move.
The state police chief informed the court that a circular had been issued not to grant permission for road-blocking gatherings. The police intervened as soon as they came to know about the Vanchiyoor gathering. The DGP informed the High Court that a case has been registered against the organizers of the event.
