Kerala: Sub-Judge Stages Unique Sit-In To Resolve Garbage Issue In Public Market

It is said that judges can act only through their judgments. However, the Sub-Judge of Ernakulam recently chose to take direct action to resolve a long-standing waste management issue in Ernakulam Public Market.

Judge AM Basheer, who also happens to be the secretary to District Legal Services Authority, performed a unique sit-in protest in Ernakulam Public Market on Tuesday. The protest was made in front of a huge pile of garbage in the public market, which had been plaguing the area for several days. The judge was acting on a public complaint regarding the failure of the Corporation to remove the waste promptly. With the onset of monsoon, the situation worsened, and the waste pile posed a major public health hazard.

Judge Basheer, who reached the site to inquire about the complaint, resolved that he will not leave the place until the waste pile was removed. This sent alarm signals to the Cochin Corporation, which swung into immediate action.  The sanitation team arrived with lorries and JCBs by noon. Eyewitnesses recounted that at least 15 loads of waste were removed. The area was cleared by 4 pm.

Judge Basheer told media that this was just a first step, and stated that a committee will be formed with merchants and local residents to oversee proper waste management.

Picture Courtesy :FB Post by Senior Advocate MR Rajendran Nair