T.K.SUNDARESAN Vs. DISTRICT POLICE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Read order dtd. 1/11/2021.

(2.) The learned Government Pleader submitted that, accepting the observations and suggestions of this Court, Government intends to amend the Kerala Headload Workers Act grating powers to the competent Authority to expel a registered worker, who is established to have demanded 'Nokkukooli' (Gawking Charges), along with imposition of heavy penalties.

(3.) An amendment to the above effect is certainly welcome, but, in my view, it would not serve the full purpose. There can be no doubt "as is also admitted by the learned Government Pleader" that a demand for 'Nokkukooli' can only be construed as extortion in law and nothing else. Hence, unless the Unions and its members understand that any such demand will necessarily visit them with strict penal consequences, the situation is unlikely to improve.