Kochi: A day after the High Court criticised the state police for harassing a Wayanad native alleging Maoist links, the government has decided to appeal the single bench order.
Justice Muhammed Mustaque on Friday had asked the government to compensate Shyam Balakrishanan, who was detained on May 20, 2014, and ordered to pay him Rs 1 lakh and the litigation fee.
According to sources, the government will file an appeal challenging the order of compensation. The High Court had also observed that being a Maoist was not a crime. The court said the police were acting like a hunter vying for the prey. “This is nothing but disguised aberration of law and the protector has become the aggressor,” the court observed.
“We are yet to receive the copy of the judgment. An appeal will be filed soon,” the source said. The government may seek to expunge the remarks against the police.
Meanwhile, the supporters of Maoist movement and human activists in the state welcomed the verdict. “The judgment will create an awareness among the common public. The judgement has upheld the freedom of speech and basic human rights,” said Mr M.N. Ravunni, chairman of Porattom, a pro-Maoist outfit.
However, he criticised the government move for an appeal. “It is just a face-saving attempt and the same will only give licence to police raj,” he said.
