Chennithala Defends Protest-Tent Removal, Warns Against Reckless Driving in Keralam

Keralam Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday defended the police removal of a temporary protest structure outside the Secretariat in Thiruvananthapuram and separately warned of strict action against reckless and drunk driving across the state.

Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennithala said the government was not opposed to peaceful protests but maintained that temporary structures had to comply with court directions and legal requirements.

LPST Protest Tent Removed Outside Secretariat

Police dismantled a protest tent erected by Lower Primary School Teacher rank holders outside the Secretariat late on Wednesday.

The protesters have been demanding appointments from the existing LPST rank list before it expires. Protest leader S Valarmathi, who had been on a hunger strike, was taken into custody and shifted to hospital after her health deteriorated.

Police also removed banners and flex boards from the protest site.

Police Had Issued Notices Earlier

Reports say police had previously served notices asking protesters to remove the temporary structure.

When the protesters refused to vacate the site, police dismantled the structure and cleared the area.

The protesters have said they will continue their agitation despite the removal of the tent.

Court Order Was From High Court, Reports Say

Chennithala referred to a court judgment while explaining the police action.

However, available reporting on the incident says the police notices cited a High Court order, rather than a Supreme Court judgment.

The distinction is important because the legal basis reported for the specific police notice relates to a High Court direction.

Chennithala Says Government Is Not Against Protests

The Home Minister said the government was not opposed to demonstrations or public agitation.

He argued that authorities had acted because cases had been registered and legal requirements concerning the protest structure had to be followed.

That position represents the government's explanation for the police action.

Reckless Bus Driving ‘Will Not Be Tolerated’

On road safety, Chennithala said reckless driving by bus drivers would not be tolerated.

The government has recently intensified enforcement against:

• Drunk driving

• Drug-impaired driving

• Speeding

• Reckless driving

• Dangerous competition between private buses

Chennithala has said police across Keralam have been instructed to take strict action against drivers who put other road users at risk.

Around 17,000 Apprehended for Drunk Driving

The Home Minister said around 17,000 people had been apprehended for drunk driving during intensified enforcement.

Police are also conducting special night-time inspections and combing operations targeting motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.

Government Considering Tougher Licence Action

Keralam is also considering stricter penalties for intoxicated driving, including possible suspension or cancellation of driving licences in serious cases.

Chennithala has said discussions are taking place between the Home and Transport departments over tougher enforcement measures.

The government has indicated that licence action could become particularly strict in cases where drunk driving leads to accidents.

57 School Bus Drivers Found Drunk in One-Day Check

In a recent statewide inspection, authorities found 57 school bus drivers allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol during a single-day enforcement drive.

Chennithala cited the figure while arguing for stronger road-safety enforcement.

Private Bus Racing Also Under Scrutiny

The state government is separately targeting dangerous competition between private buses.

Transport officials say outdated schedules can encourage drivers to race each other to maintain timings, particularly during peak hours.

To address the issue, authorities are considering more flexible schedules during high-traffic periods while promising strict action against drivers who continue to speed or drive dangerously.

Police and Motor Vehicles Department Working Together

Chennithala said the police and Motor Vehicles Department were coordinating enforcement.

The government has also announced plans for a broader road-safety initiative involving district-level monitoring and public participation.

The proposed approach is intended to combine enforcement with changes to bus schedules, licence rules and road-safety awareness.

Zero-Tolerance Message on Road Safety

The Ramesh Chennithala reckless driving remarks underline the state government's current emphasis on stronger enforcement against dangerous road behaviour.

Chennithala said intoxicated driving, speeding and unsafe competition between buses would face strict action, while the government would continue to allow lawful protest activity subject to court orders and public-safety rules.