‘If a common man starts a tea stall on roadside, wouldn’t that be removed?' Court strongly criticizes CPM public meet in Vanchiyoor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala High Court came down heavily on the government and the police in the incident of blocking the road for the public meeting of the CPM Palayam area meet in Vanchiyoor. The court asked who was booked in the incident and whether a case was not filed against those on the stage. The court criticized the police and the corporation for not taking any action and said that if a common man had started a tea stall on the roadside, wouldn’t that be removed.

The court had harshly criticized the government and the police while considering the case the other day. The court mentioned that the action was against previous orders and contempt of court action should have been taken. The court asked the government to inform what action they had taken in the matter.

Who gave permission to erect a stage on the road? The court had said in previous orders that roads should not be blocked under any circumstances. Who all attended the meeting? The pedestrians were not able to walk on the road. From where did they get the authority to hold such meetings? Why is the government not taking action on the issue? The roadsides are decorated with lights at night, including in Ernakulam, in the name of CPM conferences. The court asked from where they are getting electricity for all this.

The incident of blocking the road in Vanchiyoor last Thursday in connection with the CPM Palayam area conference, which caused inconvenience to commuters for the entire day, was a big topic of discussion. This violation of the law, which lasted for the entire day, took place on a road where many people constantly come and go to the district court, several subordinate courts, Vanchiyoor police station and the administrative tribunal. Among those who were stranded on the road due to the unexpected road closure were school children, patients and those who had to reach the courts. A stage was set up right in front of the Vanchiyoor police station and a podium was set up. In addition to the meet, a play was also held there.