Kerala High Court: A Division Bench comprising of A. Muhamed Mustaque and Ashok Menon, JJ. decided a writ petition, wherein the petitioners were granted police protection to their life and property in light of an ongoing labour dispute.
Petitioner No. 1 was the owner of one Nagamana Estate and Petitioner No. 2 was his personal manager and incharge of the Estate. Respondents included Union leaders and their party members. The petitioners alleged that the respondents were interfering in the functioning of the Estate. It was submitted that there was an ongoing labour dispute and the matter was pending consideration of the District Labour Officer. It was alleged that the petitioners were facing threat to their life and property by the agitating employees. A complaint was filed before the police authorities in regard to the same, which culminated into registration of a criminal case under Sections 451, 341, 323 and 506 IPC.
The High Court taking cognizance of the situation observed that there was an agitation that could turn violent. The Police was directed to take cognizance of any complaint received by them in the matter. Further, the police was directed to maintain law and order and provide adequate and sufficient protection to the lives and properties of the petitioner, pending adjudication of dispute by the Labour Officer. The petition was disposed of accordingly. [K.M. Mehboob v. Sub Inspector of Police, 2018 SCC OnLine Ker 1662, dated 15-5-2018]
