A.M. Shaffique, J.

The petitioner has approached this Court seeking police protection for carrying on loading and unloading of timber by using machineries and cranes and with the help of his permanent employees. It is inter alia contended that the petitioner is conducting a firm by name M/s. Meridian Wood Industries, engaged in the sale and manufacture of timber, firewood, rubber wood, furniture etc. The petitioner has also entered into an agreement with a person for slaughter tapping of 2163 rubber trees from the estate having an extent of 24.57 acres of land in survey No. 167/B of Akampadam Village, Nilambur Taluk. The complaint is that on 10/11/2014, when the petitioner started loading of rubber wood using cranes, a group of persons in the locality belonging to the different unions has trespassed into the premises and obstructed the loading activities. According to them, the work of loading is to be given to the headload workers in the area or else they have to be paid 'Nokkucooli'. The petitioner had filed a complaint to the police, which was not considered and accordingly he has approached this Court.

2. Counter-affidavit is filed by respondents 2 to 6, inter alia stat