Police motion against fishermen’s protest thrown out by court

• Magistrate stated that the public has the right to engage in peaceful protests and that protesting is a fundamental right of the people

By Bhagya Silva

The Colombo Fort Magistrate Isuru Netthikumara yesterday  rejected a request made by the Fort Police, through a motion, seeking an order to halt a protest carried out by a group of fishermen on the grounds that it was causing significant inconvenience to the public.  

Rejecting the request, the Magistrate stated that the public has the right to engage in peaceful protests and that protesting is a fundamental right of the people.  

The Magistrate further instructed the Fort Police to act in accordance with their legal powers if the protesters violate legal provisions, including the Motor Traffic Act and the Police Ordinance and conduct protests in a manner that causes public inconvenience.  

The Fort Police, presenting further reports before the Fort Magistrate’s Court, informed the court that the protest had caused significant inconvenience to the public and that the fishermen had been continuing the protest for six consecutive days, based on which the request was made.  

The Police further informed court that the protesters were engaged in the demonstration demanding the removal of the ban imposed by the present government on the ma-dal fishing industry carried out using winch machines fitted to tractors.