Encroachment on sidewalks shouldn't be allowed, roads are not for holding protests and public meetings: HC

KOCHI: The high court has directed the government not to allow organizations including political parties to hold demonstrations and public meetings on roads and sidewalks.

This was made clear while considering the report of the Sabarimala Special Commissioner that a progress report on the maintenance of Sabarimala roads should be sought in the event of Mandala-Makaravilakku season. Political parties and other organizations spread the carpet on the sidewalks and hold public meetings and protests. Pedestrians have to walk down the road while holding such meetings. A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumar directed that such a situation should not arise.

"Authorities are not taking any action to prevent encroachment on sidewalks. Meetings are also permitted on makeshift tents on roads and sidewalks. It has been directed by the Supreme Court that these should not be allowed. The High Court has repeatedly directed the removal of illegal billboards on roadsides and sidewalks. There are also guidelines from the Indian Road Congress. None of these were complied with", the Division Bench said.

Sabarimala road maintenance

Of the 12 roads used for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, all the roads except Plappally - Angamoozhi - Chittaur - Vadaserikkara have been repaired, the Public Works Department said. The Water Authority is piping a 6.7 km stretch of the Plappally-Vadaserikkara road. After this the work of this road will be completed.