38.6c New Delhi, India, Thursday, March 28, 2024
Judiciary

Leading Peaceful, Non-Violent Procession Is a Fundamental Right: Kerala High Court Quashes Criminal Proceedings Against Ex- MLA

By Pavitra Shetty      17 November, 2020 05:47 PM      0 Comments
Leading Peaceful, Non-Violent Procession Is a Fundamental Right: Kerala High Court Quashes Criminal Proceedings Against Ex- MLA

The Kerala High Court has quashed a criminal complaint against former Ernakulam MLA Dominic Presentation for leading a human rights protection procession in 2017. 

In the case of Dominic Presentation v. State of Kerala Single Bench of Justice M.R Anitha exonerated him of wrongdoing, holding that peaceful, non-violent protests are protected by the Constitution.

The High Court said, "In the particular fact situation of this case there is nothing to show from the records produced that the procession led had become disorderly or noisy. In other words, it appears to be a peaceful and non-violent procession led by the petitioner and others. Hence their acts are well protected under Article 19(1) (a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India,"

The then-President of the Kerala Chapter of the Congress Party VM Sudheeran had called for a procession to protest the arrest of two Dalit girls in Thalassery.

Dominic Presentation and four others led a procession of almost 200 people in the Ernakulam district and were booked for causing obstruction to the general public and vehicles, and for being part of an unlawful assembly under sections 143, 147, 283 read with 149 of the Indian Penal Code.

The former MLA argued that the assembly they had formed could hardly be characterized as an unlawful assembly since they had no intention to use criminal force for the purpose of overawing, resisting the execution of the law, committing a crime, or compelling a person to do an illegal act.

Apart from this petitioner’s counsel submitted that the independent witness arrayed, as well the witnessing police officers only made general statements.

 No disorderly, unruly behavior or specific instance of obstruction of traffic or persons was demonstrated, he additionally contended.

The counsel narrated that the police hesitated in arresting the petitioner and others while the procession was ongoing, anticipating a possible law and order situation. When the arresting Sub-Inspector and others attempted to ease traffic before arresting the petitioner and others, the petitioner and others themselves aided the police.

Therefore, it could not be said that the procession caused an obstruction.

The Prosecution argued that the procession was one that attracted restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution because it disturbed public order.

Accepting the petitioner's stance, the Court found his procession as constitutionally protected under Article 19(1) (a).

Justice Anitha went on to emphasize that all processions or marches were not to be similarly treated but that it would have to be viewed in the light of its own facts.

From the material produced, there was nothing to show that the procession, in this case, had turned violent or disorderly.

Some meetings may be peaceful in the beginning and subsequently may turn violent. Soblanket protection cannot be given to all processions or marches under the guise of freedom of speech and expression and peaceful assemblyunder Article 19(1)(a) and (1)(b) of the Constitution. Each case has to be examined based on its own facts", reads the High Court order.

The case was thus disposed of.



Share this article:



Leave a feedback about this
TRENDING NEWS

india-summons-us-diplomat-over-state-dept-remarks-on-kejriwals-arrest
Trending International
India summons US diplomat over state dept remarks on Kejriwal's arrest

After CAA, U.S. wades into Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. Here's how India responded.

27 March, 2024 04:41 PM
delhi-high-court-warns-against-aaps-call-for-protest-in-court-premises-amid-kejriwal-arrest
Trending Judiciary
Delhi High Court Warns Against AAP's Call for Protest in Court Premises Amid Kejriwal Arrest

Delhi High Court warns Aam Aadmi Party's Legal Cell of severe action for any protest in Delhi Courts against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest.

27 March, 2024 05:57 PM

TOP STORIES

global-entertainment-giants-warner-bros-netflix-amazon-get-relief-from-delhi-hc-in-copyright-protection-case
Trending Business
Global entertainment giants Warner Bros, Netflix, Amazon get relief from Delhi HC in copyright protection case

Delhi HC grants relief to global entertainment giants like Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros, ordering takedown of copyrighted content on rogue websites.

22 March, 2024 12:13 PM
arvind-kejriwal-arrested-can-cm-administer-a-region-while-being-in-jail
Trending Top Stories
Arvind Kejriwal Arrested | Can CM administer a region while being in jail?

Will President's rule be imposed in Delhi after Kejriwal’s arrest? Read the full article to know more.

22 March, 2024 03:16 PM
merely-because-you-are-politician-cant-bypass-statutory-remedies-procedure-sc-refuses-to-consider-bail-by-kavitha
Trending Judiciary
'Merely because you are politician, can't bypass statutory remedies, procedure,' SC refuses to consider bail by Kavitha

Supreme Court denies bail to politician Kavitha in Delhi Liquor Policy Scam; ED alleges Rs 100 crore illegal gratification.

22 March, 2024 03:34 PM
ponmudi-to-be-sworn-in-as-minister-tn-governor-relents-before-sc
Trending Judiciary
Ponmudi to be sworn in as Minister, TN Governor relents before SC

Tamil Nadu Governor relents to Supreme Court's order, agrees to swear in DMK leader K Ponmudi as Minister after court's rap.

22 March, 2024 03:54 PM

ADVERTISEMENT


Join Group

Signup for Our Newsletter

Get Exclusive access to members only content by email