HC refuses to intervene on freedom parade ban

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday refused to intervene in the orders issued by the Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur and Kollam District Collectors denying permission to conduct the ‘freedom parade’ by the Popular Front of India (PFI) at Thamarassery, Manjeri, Chavakkad and Punalur.In the petition filed by PFI state secretary P Abdul Hameed, it was stated that the orders banning the parade were issued without affording an opportunity of being heard. The police have reported that the parade, if conducted, would lead to political, communal, and law and order issues in the adjoining cities. It is contented that the ban on the parade was unconstitutional.