Can't allow mobocracy': Kerala HC orders police protection for Kizhakkambalam panchayat project site
Justice N Nagaresh made the remarks while granting police protection to the Kizhakkambalam grama panchayat, its officials, elected representatives, contractors, workers and suppliers to ensure the unhindered completion of the ongoing bus stand modernisation project at Kizhakkambalam junction. The court was considering a petition filed by the panchayat president seeking protection.
The petitioner alleged that the project is facing obstruction from certain political parties and their affiliates.
The project involves a bus waiting area, toilets and a cafeteria on the ground floor; a restaurant on the first floor; and a women's sales centre, e-facilitation centre and a 'She Gym' on the second floor. It was alleged that the former panchayat president, along with a political party leader, unlawfully entered the project site, dismantled barricades, and forcibly allowed buses to operate from the unfinished bus stand.
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They also erected a temporary waiting shed without any authority or approval.
Taking note, HC stated that when a duly elected panchayat committee takes steps to discharge its statutory functions and public duties, such actions cannot be thwarted by physical force or unlawful interference. It warned that forces attempting to seize control of a panchayat today may, if unchecked, seek to challenge state or Union administrations tomorrow, posing a grave threat to the democratic polity.
It further emphasised that police authorities cannot remain mute spectators in the face of such lawlessness and must act decisively to uphold the rule of law. Accordingly, the bench directed the Ernakulam rural SP and Kunnathunad police station house officer to provide effective police protection to the panchayat and other stakeholders to ensure completion of the project.
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