The Madras High Court has ruled that conservancy workers of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) may stage protests only in designated locations, and not on pavements or pathways outside the Ripon Building.A First Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Sunder Mohan made the observation while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) that complained of disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular traffic on EVR Periyar Road due to ongoing protests.
The court directed the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI), representing the conservancy workers, to seek permission from the police to hold protests in authorised spaces earmarked for such activities. The Bench also instructed the police to consider such requests in line with the law, while ensuring that roads, pavements, and pathways remain unobstructed.
The PIL was filed by D. Thenmozhi, a 47-year-old wholesale trader and administrator of the Dhanam Charitable Trust in Kancheepuram district, who alleged that the protests outside Ripon Building were causing significant traffic congestion and hindering public movement.
The court further stressed that law enforcement should act with restraint while maintaining public order, balancing the right to protest with the right to free movement.