MANOJ E. EDASSERIPARAMBU v. JOHNSON JOSEPH, SAJAN THOMAS, MARTIN JOSEPH, JOJI JAMES, K.M. ANTONY, SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE, CHANGANACHERRY POLICE STATION, CIRCLE INSPECTOR OF POLICE, CHANGANACHERRY POLICE STATION, THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE, KOTTAYAM-686 001
Case Details & Bench
- Court
- High Court of Kerala
- Hon'ble Judges
- Pius C. KuriaKose
- K. Harilal
- Judgment Date
- 2011-11-09
- Court Decision / Holding
- We dispose of this writ petition directing respondents 6 to 8 to render adequate police protection to the petitioner for collection of market fees from the various vendors in Changanacherry fish market other than respondents 2,3,4 and 5 if there is obstruction by those vendors in the matter of collection of due market fee from them. If respondent-petitioner reports outside-building sales by respondents 2–5, an inquiry will be conducted and, if verified, necessary action will follow to prevent such selling. The interim order in W.P.(C) No.29271/2011 remains applicable and must be obeyed.
- Final Disposition
- Writ petition disposed; directions issued for police protection to collect market fees from vendors other than respondents 2–5, with an enquiry if there is a verified violation of selling outside the permitted premises; interim order remains in force to the extent stated.
Parties to the Case
Appellants / Petitioners
- Manoj E. Edasseriparambu
Respondents
- Johnson Joseph
- Sajan Thomas
- Martin Joseph
- Joji James
- K.M.Antony
- Sub Inspector of Police, Changanacherry Police Station
- Circle Inspector of Police, Changanacherry Police Station
- The District Superintendent of Police, Kottayam
Legal Representation & Advocates
Counsels for Petitioners
- • M.P. Madhavankutty
Counsels for Respondents
- • Anil K. Narendran
- • Sabu S. Kallaramoola
- • S. Nidheesh
- • M.K. ABOOBACKER
Case Synopsis & Summary
This writ petition is filed by Manoj E. challenging obstruction by the Merchants’ Association (respondents 1–5) in collecting market fees from vendors at the Changanacherry fish market, pursuant to Ext.P2, which granted him the right to collect tolls. The petition traces the basis to Ext.P1, a judgment in W.P.(C) No.11588/2011, which obliged the Municipality to issue Ext.P2. The Merchants’ Association has also challenged Ext.P1 via W.A. No.1559/2011. The petitioner seeks a mandamus and police protection from respondents 6–8 to safeguard his person and property and to ensure collection of market fees. Respondents deny any illegality or threat and contend there is no warrant for police protection; they point to an interim order in W.P.(C) No.29271/2011 that stayed collection in certain circumstances. The court notes these rival claims and interim orders, emphasizing obedience to the interim order while considering relief. Ultimately, the court holds that while the interim order persists, the petitioner is not entitled to full relief, but directs respondents 6–8 to provide adequate police protection for collecting market fees from vendors other than respondents 2–5, with an enquiry if the petitioner’s allegation of outside-building sales is proven, to prevent unlawful obstruction.
Provisions of Law Cited
Submissions & Arguments
Contentions of Appellants / Petitioners
The petitioner contends that Ext.P2 confers the right to collect market fees from the Changanacherry fish market and that the Merchants’ Association (respondents 1–5) obstruct him and threaten dire consequences if he enters the market. Relying on Ext.P1 in W.P.(C) No.11588/2011, he argues the Municipality was obligated to issue Ext.P2, and that interim relief in W.P.(C) No.29271/2011 has been stayed in certain aspects, thus warranting police protection and mandamus to secure collection from vendors. The interim order, issued after hearing, must be obeyed, and the court should safeguard revenue collection pending resolution of the appeal.
Contentions of Respondents
Respondents deny any illegality or threat; they assert no basis for police protection and indicate their intent to comply with law and not obstruct lawful collection by the petitioner. They point to the interim order in W.P.(C) No.29271/2011, which stayed some collection, and emphasize that the enforcement of Ext.P2 should await the outcome of the interim order and further inquiry into alleged violations, such as selling outside the building. They advocate obedience to legal processes and seek to avoid extraneous prerogatives in police protection while the matter is under adjudication.
Cited Precedents (2)
| Case Name | Citation | Treatment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boban Thomas v. Kottayam Municipality | 2010 (1) KLT 954 | Mentioned Only | Cited to support the concept that public markets are liable for payment of market fees; not expressly adopted or distinguished in the decision. |
| W.P.(C).No.29271/2011 | W.P.(C).No.29271/2011 | Positive | Interim order relied upon by the court; the final disposition requires obedience to this interim order and conditions the relief granted. |
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