KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday criticised the state government for not submitting the details of the licences or permits issued under Section 5 of the Kerala Public Ways (Restriction of Assemblies and Processions) Act, 2011 for holding meetings. The court had earlier directed the state government to file the details. In spite of the specific direction, the government failed to submit the details. A Division Bench comprising Justice C N Ramachandran Nair and Justice P S Gopinathan gave yet another chance to the government and asked to file the details on January 6. The court will consider the writ petitions challenging the Kerala Public Ways Act on January 9. The court had stayed the implementation of the provisions of the Act, as it felt that it violated the fundamental rights of the people. The Act was brought in when the High Court prohibited road side meetings. The court, while staying the Act, had said that legislation had been enacted to get around its judgment.The Act had empowered the district police chiefs and Collectors to grant permission to hold meetings in public places, subject to certain restrictions. As per the provisions of the Act, those who want to use any portion of the road for taking out processions or holding meetings should give notice seven days in advance to the concerned districtpolice chiefs.
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