K.G. Balakrishnan, J.

These three Original Petitions have been filed seeking a writ of mandamus or other appropriate order directing the respondents to ensure that all demonstrations or processions of any form within the Cochin Corporation area are conducted without obstructing in any way the free movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic. O.P. No. 12343 of 1991 is filed by a public spirited citizen. In O.P. No. 3040 of 1988 and O.P. No. 7827 of 1994 are filed by a registered Societies. When these matters came before the learned singe judge it was felt that the question of law involved in these Original Petitions are of general importance and these cases were referred to a Bench.

2. We heard counsel for the petitioners, learned Advocate General and some of the counsel for respondents.

3. Petitioners allege that though Ernakulam city is commercially very important, the roads, such as, Banerji Road, M.G. Road, Shanmugham Road and Chittoor Road are not very much wide and except M.G. Road, all other roads are not sufficient to accommodate the ever increasing vehicular traffic. These roads are maintained by the Cochin Corporation. Various institutions like Courts, Hospitals