The Kerala High Court on Monday asked what steps have been taken by the state in light of the violent protests in Vizhinjam, where fishermen are protesting the construction of an international sea port by the Adani Group.
Justice Anu Sivaraman ordered that all appropriate steps be taken in the light of the events of the last two days and the same be brought to the notice of the Court by Friday.
Despite an express assurance given to the court on Tuesday that heavy vehicles carrying construction materials would be allowed to enter the port yard, protesters attacked the vehicle on Saturday.
According to media reports, clashes broke out between protesters on Saturday, i.e. the Latin Catholic Church-led Vizhinjam Agitation Committee, and the supporters of the Vizhinjam project, namely the People Collective of Mulloor. In connection with the same, the police on Sunday registered cases against the two factions for destroying public property worth Rs. 2 lakh. By Sunday evening, according to media reports, a large group of protesters had gathered outside the Vizhinjam police station and vandalized police vehicles. Many policemen and others were also injured in the ensuing violence.
The protesters demanded that the detained persons be released and that the cases against the priests be withdrawn. As a result, the police have registered cases against more than 50 persons, including members of the clergy, for criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, unlawful assembly and rioting.
Latin Catholic Diocese Archbishop Thomas Jay Neto is named as the first defendant. Auxiliary Bishop Christ and Vicar General Eugene Pereria are also named in the FIR.
Counsel for the applicants informed the court that the lurking potential danger had become a reality.
“There is an open defense; it is a war against the orders of this court”argued the defender.
The lawyer further pointed out that as far as the police were concerned, they were either unable to provide protection or were placed in a situation where they could not act.
“If this is the case, where are we? This is absolute lawlessness. The violence continued until midnight. Can the law be taken into hands like this? Men in religious robes grasping sticks. Can this happen?’the defender pointed out.
The government, on its part, informed the court that an FIR has been registered against the offenders. Photos and video footage of the incident have also been handed over to the court.
The court noted this last Tuesday the protesters at Vizhinjam should comply with his orders for unhindered entry and exit from the Adani project site. He added that while the group of people can certainly agitate, they cannot hold the entire public to ransom.
Public Prosecutor and Government Representative N. Manoj Kumar; Senior Advocate VJ Mathew and Advocates Vipin P. Varghese, Adarsh Mathew, Kevin Mathew George, Meera Elsa George and Merlin Mathew appears on behalf of the various defendants.
Case Title: M/S Adani Vizhinjam Ports Pvt Ltd & Ors Vs Dr VP Joy IAS & Ors.