CPI seeks review of Kerala HC order barring political events at Thekkinkadu Maidan

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has urged the Kerala government to convene an all-party meeting to seek a review of the Kerala High Court’s order prohibiting political programmes at Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur, contending that the verdict overlooks the historic character of the venue as a public space.

In a resolution adopted by its Thrissur district council, the party said the maidan had, both before and after Independence, served as a common public space where people of all faiths and political affiliations gathered for celebrations, protests, public meetings and democratic movements. It described the High Court’s order as “a denial of historical realities” and “contrary to democratic values.”

The CPI said Thekkinkadu Maidan had witnessed several landmark events associated with the national freedom movement. It noted that Mahatma Gandhi had delivered his historic speech against caste discrimination at the venue in 1925 and that the southern entrance of the maidan had been the site of numerous freedom struggle meetings. It also pointed out that landmarks such as Student Corner, Nehru Mandapam and Labour Corner reflect the area’s legacy of student movements, labour struggles and political mobilisation, including Kerala’s first May Day observance and workers’ rally.

The party also recalled that several national leaders, including Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and former Prime Ministers, had addressed public gatherings at the venue over the decades.

The CPI demanded that the State government initiate steps to resolve the issue by convening an all-party meeting and exploring the possibility of a review of the High Court order.

As part of its protest, the party will organise an evening demonstration near the Thrissur Corporation office on Monday (July 20).