Kerala - Kochi   

Notice served on Minister

Kochi: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday issued notice to Law Minister M. Vijayakumar and Director-General of Police (DGP) on a writ petition seeking to declare illegal the ongoing agitation for a High Court Bench in Thiruvananthapuram.

The petition sought a directive for registering criminal cases against those who indulged in violence in connection with the agitations.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justice A.K. Basheer also issued notice to C.K. Sitharam, president, Samara Samithi for a High Court Bench at Thiruvananthapuram, Samara Samithi Women’s wing represented by B. Nirmalakumari, Samara Sahaya Samithi president Varkala Radhakrishnan, Thiruvananthapuram Bar Association secretary and others.

The petition filed by Kalarkode Venugopalan Nair sought to issue a quo warranto against the Minister. The petitioner pleaded that the Minister had violated the oath of office by participating in agitations launched by the Samithi.

The petitioner pointed out that the Minister had also participated in an agitation in which the effigy of the Kerala Chief Justice was burnt. Besides, Mr. Viajyakumar violated the High Court and Supreme Court verdict against setting up a Bench in Thiruvananthapuram. The petitioner said the Minster was bound to protect the interest of the State as a whole and not supposed to pander to regional and parochial interests. The petitioner said the demonstrators had resorted to force against lawyers from Kochi and boycotted the court proceedings. The petitioner also complained that the police had not taken any action against those who indulged in violence.

Justice K. Hema issued notice to Thiruvalla Circle Inspector asking him to show cause why action should not be taken against him for arresting a person whose anticipatory bail petition was pending before the court.

Santhilal of Alappuzha had sought bail in a dowry harassment case filed by his wife. While the petition was pending, he was arrested. The court directed the CI to submit his explanation within three days.

The court adjourned to July 2 hearing on petitions filed by Santhosh Madhavan seeking bail in four criminal cases registered against him. He contended that the investigation was over and so detaining him in jail was not necessary.

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