Kattappana Service Co-Operative Bank Ltd. No. 3738 vs Deputy Superintendent Of Police Idukki, Office At Cheruthoni, Idukki District, Pin 685602

N.Nagaresh, J

The petitioner-Kattappana Service Co-operative Bank Limited is before this Court seeking to extend adequate police protection for the conduct of election to the petitioner-Co-operative Bank, scheduled to be held on 16.04.2023.

The petitioner would submit that since the election to the Managing Committee of the Co-operative Bank is being conducted on political lines, there is a strong likelihood of law and order problems arising at the time of election. Incidents during the previous elections also warrants adequate precaution and assistance by the police, for smooth conduct of the election.

I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Government Pleader representing respondents 1 and 2 and the learned Standing Counsel representing respondents 3 and 4.

Taking into consideration the fact that the election to the petitioner-Co-operative Bank is scheduled to be held on 16.04.2023 and taking into consideration the previous incidents, as law and order problems are likely to arise during the election, it will be only just and proper that respondents 1 and 2 are directed to deploy adequate number of police personnel for the smooth conduct of the election.

The writ petition is therefore disposed of directing respondents 1 and 2 to deploy adequate number of police personnel for the smooth and peaceful conduct of election to the petitioner-Co-operative Bank scheduled to be held on 16.04.2023. The police shall give necessary protection during the counting of the ballots also.