HC allows CPM meet in Tuticorin

Observing that freedom of speech and expression is a guaranteed fundamental right, the Madurai bench of the Madras high court has allowed CPM’s Brinda Karat and U Vasuki to address a public gathering at riot-hit Tuticorin on Monday.
Police had denied permission for the same on June 14 citing that such a meeting would interfere with the normalisation process in the town.
Thirteen people were killed in police firings on May 22 and May 23 after protests against the Sterlite copper smelter in Tuticorin turned violent.
The CPM had initially approached the police seeking permission for a procession from Pandukarai road followed by a public meeting at a ground near Chidambaranagar bus stop. The party is organising the meet to condemn the state’s response to the protest.