KOCHI:The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the state government to file a statement within seven days on the contempt petition filed by the Synthite Employees’ Welfare Association alleging the police failed to implement a court order to provide police protection for the smooth functioning of the company’s factories. The court directed the government to explain the steps taken to implement it’s earlier order.
HC had asked to ensure members of the Synthite Employees’ Welfare Association were not abused or threatened at the factory entrance by the members of CITU. It had also directed the police to ensure the employees are able to report and work in the factory situated at Kadayirippu and Kolencherry in a peaceful manner without any obstruction by the CITU.
In the contempt petition, Silvin Benny, president of the association, submitted that the police failed to implement the order. Workers who are members of CITU created a violent atmosphere and prevented those workers willing to join duty from entering the company premises. N A Paulose, the production supervisor of the company, was attacked with weapons and, while the ambulance was moving with Paulose, the protesters attacked the driver of the ambulance, he said in the petition.
Police officers, he said, are not taking any action against the agitators. Though the Collector convened a conciliation meeting on June 4 with the management and the union and instructed the police to give adequate protection to workers, the police failed to do so. Contrary to the directive, the police are supporting the agitators and directing the willing workers to return home.
The petition also stated police officers are reluctant to comply with the order only because of the CITU, the powerful trade union affiliated to the ruling party.Senior Government Pleader Suman Chakravarthy submitted that the police have taken steps to implement the court order and 75 police personnel have been deployed to ensure law and order.
