THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Legal experts are pointing out that kicking unarmed protesters with boots was inhumane and abuse of power. The experts also said that a case can be registered under sections 323 and 341 (assault and damage) of the IPC against the policeman who kicked and trampled a protester in Karichara, Thiruvananthapuram. The policeman can be sentenced to one year in prison.

Many policemen do not heed the DGP's strict admonition not to kick people using boots. The police officers are also ignoring the Chief Minister's repeated warnings not to give up self-control and not to inflict bodily harm on anyone. Under Act 86-C of the Police Act, those who show arrogance to the people and inflict bodily harm can be dismissed.

Although there was a clash between the police and the protesters in Karichira, the law and order situation was not bad. Section 46 of the CRPC prohibits the use of force other than while arresting or dispersing violent mobs. As per law, police can arrest the protesters if they cause a public nuisance. The police can subdue a protester by force if he attacks or tries to kill policemen. Whether the police harass people or behave rudely, the action is limited to transfer or other small punishments.