Thrikkakara Municipality, Rep. By Its Secretary, N.K.Krishnakumar vs District Collector, Ernakulam

Sunil Thomas, J

Notice on admission.

The learned Government Pleader takes notice for respondents 1 to 3. Issue notice to the remaining respondents by speed post.

The petitioners are the Municipality represented by the Secretary and the Chairperson of the Thrikkakara Municipality. The specific allegation is that

in relation to a dispute that arose consequent to the appointment of temporary hands, several persons under the leadership of respondents 4 and 5,

raised protest, entered the Municipal Hall, created vandalism, abused the staff and even trespassed into the office rooms. The police did not take any

action, it is alleged. Hence, they seek sufficient police protection.

On instructions, learned Government Pleader submitted that he had discussed the issue with Assistant Commissioner, who had informed that

sufficient police force were deployed in the area and considering the fact that triple lock down was in existence and pandemic situation was grave in

that area, persons belonging to both groups who had entered the building and created vandalism were removed and three criminal crimes were

registered. Sufficient police is deployed in the compound itself. It was further submitted that situation is peaceful today and hence, there is no scope

for any interim order.

It seems that the Municipal Chairperson herself has approached this Court seeking police protection. The photographs produced along with the Writ

Petition shows the vandalism that was going on inside the office even. The police are seen watching the proceedings that were going on. Of course,

the two other photographs show that persons who were shouting and raising slogans were being removed by police.

It seems that the protesters had even entered the compound, blocked the entrance and had gone even up to the office rooms. Having considered

this, I am inclined to direct that sufficient police force shall be deployed to ensure that the entry to the Municipal Office by the elected members, the

staff and other persons who visit the office for official purposes alone are permitted to enter and others are not permitted to enter. The police shall

also ensure that sufficient police is deployed to ensure that COVID protocol is not violated, that peace prevails inside and outside the municipal

building.

Await instructions. Post on 16.07.2021.