'Nokkukooli’ illegal, says HC, asks Kerala govt to amend law

KOCHI: After issuing eight interim orders dealing with various aspects of ‘nokkukooli’, the Kerala high court on Tuesday issued a detailed judgment by which demanding ‘nokkukooli’ was declared illegal and unconstitutional.
The court directed for booking those who demanded it for extortion, directed labour department’s intervention on complaints received on new toll-free numbers.asked the state government to amend law to bring disciplinary control, and to modernize headload work by using machinery.
Justice Devan Ramachandran issued a 36-page judgment containing the declarations, directions, and suggestions to the police, the labour department, and the state government after considering a petition filed by TK Sundaresan of Punalur.
The court said one would be called an incorrigible fabulist if it were to be said that extortion is legitimate.
The HC said: “The demand of ‘Nokkukooli’ (gawking charges), in any form, colour or manifestation, by any person, Trade Union, or registered worker, is hereby declared illegal and unconstitutional.”