HC quashes case over 'black flag protest' against Kerala chief minister

Kochi: In a major setback for the Kerala Government, the High Court has quashed the case filed against Congress workers who waved black flags to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a protest in Paravur, Ernakulam, in 2017.

The court ruled that displaying a black flag does not insult the public. The court also dismissed a case of obstructing the duty of the officials.

The court criticized the growing trend of filing cases for trivial matters, emphasizing that minor uses of force during protests are common and should not lead to legal action. It further clarified that legal proceedings in such insignificant matters should be avoided.

The case in question was filed by the police after Congress workers in Paravur protested by waving black flags while Chief Minister's convoy was passing through the area. Later, Congress workers approached the High Court, seeking to have the case quashed.