'Mobocracy threat looms in Kerala'; High Court raises concern

KOCHI: The High Court raised concerns about the threat posed by mobocracy in a democratic nation. The court demanded that the police deal such atrocities with an iron fist approach.

Justice N Nagaresh's observation was made while granting police protection for the renovation work of the Kizhakkambalam bus stand. The renovation is in the final stages. A group of political activists sabotaged the traffic control in the area as part of this. The panchayat president approached the court seeking police protection when another bus shelter was built in the area. The violence was led by the opposing party, the former panchayat president, on July 4. The petition alleged that the police remained idle even after the mob replaced the signboards and took over the traffic control.

The court assessed that the incident revealed the threat of some to defeat democracy through force. Matters within the jurisdiction of the local and motor vehicle departments were taken over by force. If a crime has been committed, a case should be investigated and a report registered, the court opined.

Following this, the Rural SP and Kunnathunad SHO were instructed to provide police protection for the renovation of the bus stand.

The entry of vehicles and people into the bus stand should be restricted until the work is completed and the area is opened.