CPM meet outside Vanchiyoor court: HC seeks explanation from police over road blockade

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday observed that the CPM's area conference held in front of the Vanchiyoor court complex in Thiruvananthapuram violated judicial directives prohibiting public meetings on roads. The court demanded details of those involved and questioned what action had been taken against the violation.

A bench comprising Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishnan S directed the police to provide information on the attendees and clarify whether any case had been registered for blocking the road outside the court complex and nearby police station.

The Additional Advocate General, representing the state and police, requested time to gather instructions. The court ordered the Station House Officer (Circle Inspector of Police) of Vanchiyoor Police Station to appear in person on December 12 to explain the circumstances. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on the same date, reported PTI.

The directive came while hearing a contempt plea filed by N Prakash, an Ernakulam resident, against CPM state secretary M V Govindan. The petitioner alleged that the party organised a public meeting in front of the Vanchiyoor court complex on December 5, violating a 2010 High Court order.

The 2010 directive instructed the Chief Secretary, police, and other government agencies not to permit meetings on public roads or road margins. It also required the police to dismantle any stages or installations set up in violation of this order.

Prakash claimed that disregarding these instructions, the CPM conducted its Palayam area conference outside the court complex and police station, obstructing the road with a stage. The plea contended that Govindan and others responsible should face proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

Other respondents in the case include the State Police Chief, the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner, and the Circle Inspector of the Vanchiyoor Police Station.