HC bans roadside temporary sheds

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday banned setting up of makeshift or permanent tents on roadsides.The order by the Division Bench comprising Justice Pius C Kuriakose and Justice C K Abdul Rahim stated that the setting up of such tents, usually for business purposes, public meetings, processions and demonstrations, was a violation of Section 4 of the Public Ways Act.The Act stipulates that there should not be any hindrances in these places, the order said.The court passed the order on a petition filed by K D Antony, owner of a bar-attached hotel at Kuttipuram, against such tents in front of his bar."The High Court has already passed an order banning public meetings on roadsides. People have the right to meet. But gathering in an uncontrolled manner in the name of this right cannot be allowed. Bringing together people forcibly for public meeting too is a violation of human rights," the order said.On June 6, there was a scuffle between the bar owners and their customers. One person died the next day owing to the injuries he sustained during the clash.Following this, local people launched a protest against the bar. As the strike intensified, the bar owner approached the High Court seeking police protection and the court granted it.However, the residents set up a temporary tent in front of the bar and resumed the strike.The petitioner approached the court on the grounds that setting up of temporary shed was a violation of a previous order of the High Court banning public meetings on roadsides.The court also ordered the removal of the tent within 24 hours. The Malappuram SP, Tirur DySP and Kuttipuram CI have been told to ensure that the local people do not set up tents in front of the bar again.