HC directs action against PFI over provocative slogans at Kerala rally

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala high court on Friday directed the state government to take strict action against Popular Front of India (PFI) over the highly provocative slogans that were raised at its rally in Alappuzha last week, observing that “if a member of a rally raises provocative slogans, the persons who organised the rally is also responsible”.

“How can they raise such slogans? Strict action is needed against those who raised provocative slogans and organisers of the rally. If a member of a rally raises provocative slogans, the persons who organised the rally is also responsible,” Justice P V Kunhikrishnan said.

The high court’s remarks came even as the government pleader said it has taken the matter seriously and made several arrests. Disposing a plea filed by advocate Ramaraja Varma two weeks ago, seeking to ban PFI and Bajrang Dal rallies in the district, justice Kunhikrishnan said: “The police officers will do the needful in accordance with law against all persons who are responsible for the same. With above observation, the writ petition is closed.”

The lawyer had sought a ban on PFI and Bajrang Dal rallies in view of a string of political murders in the district.the court said permission to hold rallies was granted to the outfits under assurances that the rallies will be peaceful. Hearing another plea on May 23, the court had expressed serious concern over use of children in such events. “These children will grow up with hatred inside them,” justice P Gopinath hadsaid.

A purported viral video of the PFI’S ‘Save the Republic’ rally in coastal Alappuzha on May 21 shows a minor boy sitting on the shoulder of a person, shouting provocative slogans against other communities as others repeated in chorus. HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.