Kerala High Court Weekly Round-Up: October 06 - October 12, 2025

X v State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 622

National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 623

Abdul Majeed C.K. v. Travancore Devaswom Board and Ors. and connected cases, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 624

Sivananda Prabhu and Ors. v. S.N. Govinda Prabhu & Brothers and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 625

Jinto P.D. v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 626

Kizhakkayi Dasan v. Kuniyil Cheerootty and Anr., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 627

Life Insurance Corporation of India v. Haripreetha T. and Anr., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 628

Twenty 20 Party and Anr. v. State Election Commission, Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 629

Emilda Varghese @ Rajani v Varghese P Kuriakose and connected cases, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 630

Lakshmi R. Menon v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 631

Dr. K.M. Ashik v. The Commissioner of Income Tax, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 632

V.G. Usha Devi v. State of Kerala and connected matter, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 633

Abdul Muneer v. The Superintendent and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 634

Kerala Public Service Commission v. The National Human Rights Commission and Anr., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 635

Under Graduate Medical Education Board and Anr v V N Public Health And Educational Trust and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 636

Pravasi Legal Cell and Ors. v State of Kerala and Anr., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 637

State of Kerala v T. K. I. Ahamed Sherief and Others and State of Kerala v. Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 638

Baby V.J. v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 639

M/s Stark Photo Book v. The Assistant Commissioner, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 640

Somasundaram v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 641

A.K. Rajendran v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 642

Judgments/ Orders This Week

Lessee In Possession Can't Be Charged With House Trespass Under Section 450 IPC: Kerala High Court

Case Title: X v State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 622

The Kerala High Court has clarified that a lessee in lawful possession of a house cannot be charged with or convicted for house trespass under Section 450 IPC.

Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar delivered the judgment in a criminal appeal filed by the accused in an acid attack case while setting aside conviction under 450 (House-trespass in order to commit offence punishable with imprisonment for life) of IPC. The bench however upheld his conviction under Section 326A (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc.).

Mere Presence Of Alcohol In Accident Victim's Blood Not Enough To Exclude Liability, Insurer Must Show Evidence Of Impairment: Kerala High Court

Case Title: National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 623

In a recent judgment, the Kerala High Court has held that evidence of the mere presence of alcohol in the victim's blood is not enough for an insurer to exclude liability in accidental deaths when the exclusion clause specifically excludes deaths caused under the influence of alcohol.

The Division Bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. further observed that the insurer must prove that the accident occurred while the victim was under the influence of intoxicating liquor to trigger the exception clause.

Kerala High Court Orders Re-Tender For Collecting Offerings In Sabarimala, Raps Travancore Devaswom Board For 'Casual' Conduct

Case Title: Abdul Majeed C.K. v. Travancore Devaswom Board and Ors. and connected cases

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 624

The Kerala High Court recently passed a judgment partially setting aside the tender notification issued by the Travancore Devaswom Board relating to tenders for three items, including collection of coconuts and flowers offered by pilgrims and devotees in Sabarimala. It further asked the TDB to conduct a re-tender for these.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considering the petitions filed by the unsuccessful participants in the tender process.

Separate Property Acquired By Mitakshara Hindu Who Died Before 1956 Completely Devolves Upon Son: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Sivananda Prabhu and Ors. v. S.N. Govinda Prabhu & Brothers and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 625

The Kerala High Court has held that the separate property acquired by a Hindu governed by Mitakshara law, who died before 1956, will completely devolve upon his son.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Sathish Ninan and Justice P. Krishna Kumar observed that the Hindu Law of Inheritance (Amendment ) Act, 1929 did not affect the son's absolute right to inherit his father's property.

Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Bigg Boss Malayalam Winner Booked In Alleged Gym Theft Case

Case Title: Jinto P.D. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 626

The Kerala High Court recently granted pre-arrest bail to bodybuilder and the winner of 'Bigg Boss Malayalam 6' Jinto P.D., booked in an alleged case of theft after trespassing into a gym “Jinto Body Craft”.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas noted that there was a profit-sharing agreement between the petitioner and de-facto complainant in connection with the conduct of the gym.

Customary Practice Of Divorce Can Be Proven In Evidence Even If Hearsay, Upon Satisfying Conditions U/S 32 Evidence Act: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Kizhakkayi Dasan v. Kuniyil Cheerootty and Anr.

Citation: 2025 Livelaw (Ker) 627

The Kerala High Court has recently held that a customary practice of divorce can be proven in evidence if the same is hearsay, if the statement satisfies the conditions under Sections 32(4) and 48 of the Indian Evidence Act.

The Division Bench of Justice Sathish Ninan and P. Krishna Kumar was considering a matrimonial appeal challenging the decision of the Family Court declaring the respondents as the wife and daughter of the appellant.

LIC's Cancer Cover Valid Only If 'First Diagnosis' Occurs After Waiting Period, Not Expert Confirmation: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Life Insurance Corporation of India v. Haripreetha T. and Anr.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 628

The Kerala High Court allowed Life Insurance Corporation's appeal against direction to pay insurance coverage claim of a cancer patient, holding that LIC's coverage for cancer care would apply only if the first diagnosis–which does not include confirmation by expert, occurred after waiting period of 180 days.

Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. relied on Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary's definition of 'diagnosis'.

Kerala High Court Closes Plea Challenging Proposal To Set Up Polling Booth At Mosque, Notes Site Shifted To Anganwadi

Case Title: Twenty 20 Party and Anr. v. State Election Commission, Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 629

The Kerala High Court has closed a writ petition moved by Twenty 20 Party challenging the proposal to fix a Mosque (Madrasathul Islamiya) as the polling booth for the upcoming local body elections, after the District Election Officer proposed a nearby Anganwadi for the purpose

When the matter came up for hearing before Justice C.S. Dias, the judge was informed that the polling station had been shifted to a nearby Anganwadi.

Ill Treatment Of Children By Spouse Constitutes Cruelty Under Section 10(1) Divorce Act: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Emilda Varghese @ Rajani v Varghese P Kuriakose and connected cases

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 630

The Kerala High Court has held that the ill-treatment of children by a spouse constitutes mental cruelty towards the other spouse and can be a valid ground for dissolution of marriage under Section 10(1)(x) of the Divorce Act, 1869.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Sathish Ninan and Justice P. Krishna Kumar, dismissed the wife's appeal against a Family Court judgment granting divorce to the husband on the ground of cruelty, while partly allowing her revision petition seeking enhanced maintenance.

Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Actress Lakshmi Menon In Abduction Case

Case Title: Lakshmi R. Menon v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 631

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (October 8) allowed the anticipatory bail plea of actress Lakshmi Menon in alleged abduction and assault case.

The parties had submitted before the Court that their disputes have been settled and that the complaint was filed based on misunderstanding. The de facto complainant had filed an affidavit in this regard.

In view of the submission, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas granted bail to the actress.

Income Tax Act | Assessee Can Challenge Cash Credit Addition U/S 68 In Remand Proceedings; Tribunal's Direction Not Binding: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Dr. K.M. Ashik v. The Commissioner of Income Tax

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 632

The Kerala High Court held that the assessee is free to challenge the cash credit addition under Section 68 of the Income Tax Act in remand proceedings; the tribunal's directions are not binding.

Justices A. Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V. Menon stated that the observation made by the Tribunal is not to be taken as a positive-binding direction on the assessing authority after the remand. An assessment with reference to the provisions of Section 68 is required to be made only when the assessee has no explanation as regards the cash credits in his books of accounts. In the case at hand, the appellant-assessee seems to have offered explanations, with reference to its dealings with the Company, which are more or less business transactions between parties.

Forgery Conviction Cannot Be Sustained On Sole Testimony Of Person Claiming Familiarity With Accused's Handwriting: Kerala High Court Reiterates

Case Title: V.G. Usha Devi v. State of Kerala and connected matter

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 633

The Kerala High Court has reaffirmed that conditions under Section 47 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 must be satisfied to sustain the conviction for forgery or related offences, and the sole testimony of a witness claiming familiarity with the handwriting of the accused do not suffice.

Justice A. Badharudeen delivered the judgment while allowing appeals challenging a conviction in corruption cases concerning the alleged falsification of records and misappropriation of Panchayat funds in Konnathadi Panchayat during 1993–94.

Kerala High Court Permits Convict To Attend Daughter's Enrolment Ceremony As Lawyer

Case Title: Abdul Muneer v. The Superintendent and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 634

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 9) allowed the plea of a convict to be granted parole to attend the enrolment ceremony of his daughter.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan referred to the decision in Bindhu K.P. v. State of Kerala and Ors., where it was clearly held that emergency leave cannot be granted in all circumstances. The judge prima facie opined that the petitioner is not entitled to emergency leave.

However, the Court felt that in the peculiar circumstances of the case, it has to look into the matter from the perspective of the petitioner's daughter as well.

Kerala High Court Directs Public Service Commission To Provide Accessible Exam Centres For Candidates With Disabilities

Case Title: Kerala Public Service Commission v. The National Human Rights Commission and Anr.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 635

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 9) set aside a 2019 order of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that had recommended the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) to pay an amount of ₹1,000 each to 290 physically challenged candidates.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji accepted the contention of the KPSC that the NHRC order was a blanket direction, made without considering the nature or degree of disability of each candidate. It also opined that the order is difficult to implement since none of the beneficiaries of the order were made parties before the NHRC or the High Court.

Courts Should Not Order Provisional Admissions To Medical Colleges Unless Cast-Iron Case Made Out: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Under Graduate Medical Education Board and Anr v V N Public Health And Educational Trust and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 636

The Kerala High Court has held that interim orders permitting provisional admissions to medical courses cannot be granted as a matter of course, even in writ petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. observed:

“In a writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, an interim order permitting provisional admission to medical or dental courses should not be granted as a matter of course merely because the writ petition is admitted. Such relief may be granted only if the Court is fully satisfied that the petitioner has a cast-iron case bound to succeed, or if the error is so manifest and apparent that no other conclusion is possible.”

Kerala High Court Directs Nodal Agency To Consider Inclusion Of Non-Resident Returnees In NORKA-CARE Health Insurance Scheme

Case Title: Pravasi Legal Cell and Ors. v State of Kerala and Anr.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 637

The Kerala High Court has directed NORKA Roots to consider the inclusion of Non-Resident Keralite (NRK) returnees in its recently launched NORKA-CARE Group Health and Accident Insurance Scheme.

NORKA Roots is a nodal agency for all matters concerning collaboration with the government of Kerala to address grievances on Non-Resident Keralites.

Justice N. Nagaresh gave the directions while disposing a writ petition filed by Pravasi Legal Cell and two individuals challenging the exclusion of returnee NRK's who have permanently settled back in Kerala, from NORKA-CARE insurance scheme. The scheme was launched through a tripartite agreement between NORKA Roots, New India Assurance Company Limited and Mahindra Insurance Brokers Limited.

Munambam Waqf Land Dispute: Kerala High Court Allows State's Appeal Against Quashing Of Inquiry Commission

Case Title: State of Kerala v T. K. I. Ahamed Sherief and Others and State of Kerala v. Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 638

The Kerala High Court on Friday (October 10) allowed two appeals filed by the State Government challenging a March 17 order cancelling the appointment of an Inquiry Commission set up by the State to resolve the land dispute between residents of Munambam and the Waqf Board.

A division bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Syam Kumar VM while pronouncing the order said, "Both writ appeals are allowed".

Munambam Land Dispute | Waqf Board Didn't Come Forward, Litigants Opposing Inquiry With 'Ulterior Purpose': Kerala High Court

Case Title: State of Kerala v T. K. I. Ahamed Sherief and Others and State of Kerala v. Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 638

The Kerala High Court on Friday (October 10) observed that the litigants who had approached the court challenging appointment of inquiry commission by the state in the Munambam land dispute were only masquerading for certain other interested parties having "ulterior purposes".

On the issue of locus of petitioner— Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi as well as the parties in the connected writ petition to maintain its pleas, a division bench Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Syam Kumar VM said that the petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, projecting the writ petitioners as 'person aggrieved' however, they failed to show how they were affected by appointment of the commission.

Kerala High Court Says Munambam Land Was Not Intended To Be Waqf

Case Title: State of Kerala v T. K. I. Ahamed Sherief and Others and State of Kerala v. Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Vedhi

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 638

The Kerala High Court has held that the 1950 endowment deed executed by Mohammed Siddique Sait in favour of the Farooq College Managing Committee was not a waqf deed but a simple gift deed, never intended to create a permanent dedication of property in favour of Almighty God.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. observed thus while allowing two writ appeals filed by the State government against a Single Bench order that had quashed a government notification constituting a Commission of Inquiry to resolve the Munambam land dispute between residents and the Waqf board.

Kerala High Court Grants Bail To 70-Year-Old Man Booked For Allegedly Hunting & Killing Leopard In Reserve Forest

Case Title: Baby V.J. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 639

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 9) granted regular bail to a 70-year-old man, who is accused of killing a leopard in a reserve forest by laying a cable trap.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas allowed the petition taking into consideration the period of custody undergone, the absence of antecedents and the advanced age of the petitioner.

Printing Digital Images/Letters On Paper Constitutes Services, Attracts 18% GST Not 12%: Kerala High Court

Case Title: M/s Stark Photo Book v. The Assistant Commissioner

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 640

The Kerala High Court has held that printing digital images/letters on paper constitutes services, and attracts 18% GST not 12%.

The question before the bench was to determine whether the assessee's printing activities ie. converting the figures, letters, photographs etc., in a digital form, into physical format by printing it on paper were liable to GST at 12% or 18%.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. examines both HSN Code 4911 and SCN 998386 and noted that HSN Code 4911 mainly refers to the supply of goods in the form of printed materials, whereas, the SCN 998386 refers to the photographic and videographic processing services, where the printing of images from film or digital media is specifically included therein.

S. 263(1) & S. 269(1) BNSS | Court Cannot Prepare Format Of Charge & Merely Fill Details Of Case In Vacant Space: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Somasundaram v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 641

The Kerala High Court recently set aside an order of a Magistrate Court, which had framed the charges in printed format with the name and other details of the accused inserted in writing.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan observed that the framing of charges ought to have been done in writing, in accordance with Sections 263(1) and 269(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita/ Sections 240(1) and 246(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

High Courts Cannot Reduce Sentence Below The Statutory Minimum: Kerala High Court

Case Title: A.K. Rajendran v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 642

The Kerala High Court has recently clarified that High Courts cannot reduce the sentence for a criminal offence below the minimum punishment prescribed by a statute.

Justice A. Badharudeen relied on the recent decision of the Supreme Court in Dashrath v. State of Maharashtra to observe that such an action would be overstepping into the legislature's domain.

Other Important Developments This Week

Denial Of Medical Insurance Claim Amounts To Violation Of Right To Life Under Article 21 : Kerala High Court

Case Title: Dr. A M Muraleedharan v The Senior Divisional Manager, LIC and Another and connected case

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 620

The Kerala High Court has held that denial of insurance claim for medical treatment amounts to violation of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Justice P.M. Manoj, delivering the judgment in a writ petition, ruled that once an insured person has undergone treatment or surgery based on the expert opinion of a qualified medical professional, the insurer cannot arbitrarily reject the claim. Such rejection, the Court said, amounts to denial of treatment and infringes upon the citizen's fundamental right to life and health.

Kerala High Court Constitutes SIT To Probe Alleged Gold Loss From Sabarimala Dwarapalaka Idols

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala

Case No: SSCR 23/ 2025

The Kerala High Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team to investigate the alleged discrepancies in the weight of gold in the Dwarapalaka idols of Sabarimala temple.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar had noted during the hearing that the weight of the gold had reduced by around 4kg after the idols were handed over to the 7th respondent on an earlier occasion, in 2019.

'Commuters Can't Be Losers': Kerala High Court Questions Centre's Proposal To Raise Toll On Congested NH-544 Stretch

Case Title: Shaji J Kodankadath v Union of India and connected cases

Case No: WP(C) 20253/2021 and connected cases

The Central Government today told the Kerala High Court that it will decide in three days whether to increase tariff at Paliyekkara Toll Plaza, where toll collection currently stands suspended on account of poor road conditions.

This comes after the division bench comprising Justice A. Muhammed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V. Menon took exception to Centre's proposal to increase tariff on the said stretch of NH 544, despite "evident road safety concerns".

CPI(M) Leaders Personally Appear Before Kerala High Court In Contempt Case Initiated For Blocking Road To Protest Against Central Govt

Case Title: N. Prakash v. M.V. Jayaraj and Ors.

Case No: Contempt Case (C) No. 557 of 2025 in WP(C) 19253/2010

CPI(M) leaders and former legislative assembly members M.V. Jayarajan, E.P. Jayarajan, and P. Jayarajan along with MLA K.V. Sumesh (respondents 1 to 4) appeared before the Kerala High Court in a contempt case filed for allegedly causing traffic obstruction while organising a party protest in Kargil Yogasala four-lane Highway in Kannur on February 25.

Today, when the case came up for consideration, the respondents appeared before the Court. The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. recorded the personal appearance of the afore persons.

No Deficiency In Sree Padmanabhaswamy Idol But Sanctum Roof Requires Urgent Repairs: Chief Thanthri Tells Kerala High Court

Case Title: R. Rajasekharan Pillai v. State of Kerala and Anr and connected matter

Case No.: WP(C) 7039/ 2025 and connected matter

The Kerala High Court has called for the status report on the reconstruction works carried out in Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple after the Chief Thanthri (head priest) submitted a note on the petition concerning defects in Moolavigraha (principal idol) of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

The note, as earlier ordered, was submitted before the division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha.

'Who Will Be Able To Contest?' Kerala High Court Questions BCI On ₹1.25 Lakh Nomination Fee, Orders Status Quo On State Bar Elections

Case Title: Adv Rajesh Vijayan v Bar Council of India and Another

Case No: WP(C) 36545/ 2025

“Who will be able to contest?" the Kerala High Court orally remarked today while hearing a plea challenging the Bar Council of India's (BCI) decision to hike the nomination fee for State Bar Council elections from ₹5,000 to ₹1,25,000— a 2400% increase.

Justice N. Nagaresh thus directed BCI to maintain status quo as regards to the issuance of notification for election to the State Bar Council.

Kerala High Court Reserves Verdict On PIL Against Sale Of Arundhati Roy's Book Showing Her Smoking On Cover

Case Title: Rajasimhan v Union of India

Case No: WP(PIL) 117/ 2025

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (October 7) reserved its verdict on a PIL challenging Arundhati Roy's book "Mother Mary Comes To Me", the front cover of which shows her smoking a Bidi without any statutory health warning.

The Petitioner, an advocate, seeks stay on the book's sale without the statutory label.

After hearing the matter for some time, a division bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji orally indicated that it shall pronounce its verdict next Monday i.e., October 13.

Kerala High Court Asks Actor Dulquer Salmaan To Approach Customs Authority Seeking Provisional Release Of Seized Vehicle

Case Title: Dulquer Salman v. Commissioner and Others

Case No: WP(C) 35869/ 2025

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (October 7) asked actor Dulquer Salmaan to approach the authority under the Customs Act seeking the provisional release of his Land Rover Defender, which was seized by Customs officials as part of Operation Numkhor.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. asked the actor to approach the adjudicatory authority under the Customs Act with an application under Section 110A of the Customs Act. The authority was directed to pass a reasoned order if provisional custody was refused.

“What Evidence You Have? No Information Even In Sealed Cover”: Kerala High Court Questions Customs' Seizure Of Dulquer Salmaan's Car

Case Title: Dulquer Salman v. Commissioner and Others

Case No: WP(C) 35869/ 2025

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (October 7) intensely questioned the Customs Department over their seizure of actor Dulquer Salmaan's vintage Land Rover. The Court questioned the very basis of the seizure and remarked that the authorities appeared to have acted without any concrete evidence.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. was hearing Dulquer Salmaan's petition challenging the seizure of his Land Rover Defender, taken into custody under “Operation Numkhor,” and seeking its interim release. According to Customs, the vehicle was illegally imported from Bhutan.

Draft Law Based On Hema Committee Report Likely To Be Placed Before Council Of Ministers In Nov: State Tells Kerala High Court

Case Title: Navas A @ Paichira Navas v State of Kerala and other matters

Case No: WP(C) 29846/ 2024 and other matters

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (October 8) was told by the Government Pleader that the draft legislation for addressing issues in the entertainment industry in the State is likely to be placed before the Council of Ministers by the first week of November.

During an earlier hearing, the Special Bench of Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C.S. Sudha had orally pointed lacunae in the PoSH Act 2013, stating that the legislation does not take within its purview sexual harassment faced by women seeking employment. The Bench is considering the batch of cases relating to the Hema Committee report.

'Union Govt Has Failed People, We Don't Need Charity': Kerala High Court Remarks On Non-Waiver Of Loans For Wayanad Landslide Victims

Case Title: In Re: Prevention And Management Of Natural Disasters In Kerala v. State Of Kerala

Case No: WP(C) 28509/ 2024 & Connected Cases

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (October 8) orally remarked that it would pass an interim order to stay the loan recovery action being taken against victims of the Wayanad Landslides.

Referring to the day's newspaper, the Court remarked:

"One can understand it if the Union Executive does not have the money. Let us hope we don't reach that stage. The Union of India is helpless, is in penury that it cannot assist any particular State. Where is today's newspaper? A High Level Committee has approved 707.97 cr of additional central assistance to the states of Assam and Gujarat, which were affected by floods and landslides during year 2024. Both these floods and landslides were not categorised as severe. And yet you find 707 cr for them. It doesn't end there. Committee also approves 903.67 cr to Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for expansion, modernisation of fire service...If they have the courage, let them say that they are not willing to help. But at least the people should know that when it comes to moments like this, the Union Government has failed the people, at least of this State."

'Exploitation Of Hope & Vulnerability': Kerala High Court Shocked At Alleged Trafficking Of Women For Assisted Reproductive Technology

Case Title: ART Bank v State Police Chief of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(Crl.) 1035/ 2025

The Kerala High Court has recently expressed deep concern and “shock” over alleged instances of exploitation involving women brought to the state purportedly as egg donors or prospective surrogate mothers under the guise of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) programs.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha made the observations while hearing a writ petition filed by ART Bank against the State Police Chief, Health Department officials, and others.

KeLSA's Victim Rights Centre Submits Comprehensive Suggestions To Kerala High Court For Strengthening Adoption, Foster Care Systems

Case Title: XXX v. Union of India and Ors.

Case No: W.P. (C) No. 6428/25

The Victim Rights Centre (VRC) of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) has submitted comprehensive suggestions before the Kerala High Court for the betterment of adoption and foster care system.

The report was submitted by Adv. Parvathi Menon A., Project Co-ordinator of VRC after she was suo motu impleaded by Justice Sobha Annamma Eapen in a writ petition filed by an adoptive mother, who had sought for a direction to the Child Welfare Committee to consider and pass orders on her application to surrender the adopted child.

Plea In Kerala High Court Claims Travancore Devaswom Board Funded Global Ayyappa Sangamam, Seeks Action Against Commissioner

Case Title: SJR Kumar v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) No. 33325/2025

A petition has been filed before the Kerala High Court claiming that the Global Ayyappa Sangamam was funded by the Travancore Devaswom Board, in contravention of its affidavit claiming that event would be primarily through voluntary contributions.

For context, TDB had filed the affidavit in response to a batch of petitions alleging that the event was a political and commercial one, veiled as one related to devotion, tourism and secular promotion. As per TDB, the event was funded primarily through sponsorships and voluntary contributions.

Kerala High Court Stays Loan Recovery Proceedings Against Wayanad Landslide Victims

Case Title: In Re: Prevention And Management Of Natural Disasters In Kerala v. State Of Kerala

Case No: WP(C) 28509/ 2024 & Connected Cases

The Kerala High Court has ordered that all recovery proceedings against Wayanad landslide victims be kept in abeyance until the writ petition initiated after the large-scale landslide that hit Wayanad on July 30, 2024 is disposed of.

The division bench of Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian issued the interim order after criticising the Central Government for its refusal to consider a waiver of bank loans availed by victims of the Wayanad landslide , calling the Centre's stance “unfortunate” and a “failure” to uphold the victims' right to life and dignity under Article 21.

Kerala High Court Seeks Clarity From BCI On Reservation Of Seats For Transgender Students In LLB Courses

Case Title: Esai Clara v State of Kerala

Case No: WP(C) 30999/ 2025

The Kerala High Court has sought clarity from the Bar Council of India on reservation of seats for students belonging to the Transgender community in professional colleges.

Justice N. Nagaresh, was hearing a writ petition seeking reservation under the transgender category for admissions to integrated Five year LL.B courses in Government Law Colleges.

Haal Movie: Kerala High Court Seeks Centre's Stand On Producer's Plea Against Cuts To Shane-Nigam Starrer

Case Title: Juby Thomas and Anr. v. Union of India and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) No. 37251/2025

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 9) gave time to the central government counsel to get instructions in a plea preferred by the producer and director of Shane Nigam-starrer Malayalam movie 'Haal' challenging the decision of the censor board that suggested certain modifications in the film.

When the matter came up for consideration before Justice N. Nagaresh, the petitioners submitted that they preferred a statutory appeal is provided under Section 5C of the Indian Cinematograph Act, 1952. However, the Registry had informed that there is no nomenclature or provision for appeal. The Court then asked the Registrar General to submit a report in this regard.

Sabarimala Gold Loss: Kerala High Court Flags Misappropriation In Sideframes Of Sanctum, Orders SIT To Investigate On That Aspect Also

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala

Case No: SSCR 23/ 2025

The Kerala High Court on Friday (October 10) flagged alleged gold loss in the lintels/sideframes of the Sreekovil of Sabarimala temple and ordered the SIT to investigate into the same as well.

After perusing the report of the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer, the Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar noted that there might be substantial quantity of gold, amounting about 474.9 gm, which was handed over directly to Sri. Unnikrishnan Potti and that the records do not reveal that the aforesaid quantity of gold was entrusted with the Travancore Devaswom Board.

'How Can Doctors Work In Insecurity?': Kerala High Court Seeks Report On Safety Of Hospital Staff After Attack On Doctor

Case Title: Kerala Private Hospitals Association v. Adv. Sabu P. Joseph

Case No: RP No. 379/ 2021 in WP(C) 10659/ 2021

The Kerala High Court on Friday (October 10) orally directed the state government to submit a report to ensure the safety of doctors, medical personnel and all attendant staff in hospitals.

Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath made the observation was made in the light of a recent attack on a doctor in Kozhikode. He was attacked using a sharp weapon by the father of a girl, who died of amoebic fever and was treated by the doctor.

Kerala High Court Seeks Details On TDB–NIC MoU For Digital Governance Of Devaswom Institution

Case Title: Joint Director v. Secretary, Travancore Devaswom Board

Case No: DBAR No. 2/2025

The Kerala High Court has sought details of the Memorandum of Understanding between National Informatics Centre and Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for computerisation and digital governance for managing temple administration.

The directions were given by the division bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, while considering a matter concerning the embezzlement of ₹40 lakh from a petrol pump run by TDB at Nilakkal, a base camp of Sabarimala pilgrims.

Ensure Competent Officers Are Posted In Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau: Kerala High Court Tells Authorities

Case Title: Sudhi P.D. and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: Crl.MC No. 7557 of 2025

The Kerala High Court recently observed that the Director General of Police and the Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) must ensure that competent officers are posted in the VACB.

Justice A. Badharudeen was considering a petition challenging the vigilance proceedings initiated against two government officials for an alleged case of demand of bribe.

Kerala High Court Issues Notice On Film Producer Sheela Kurian's Plea Seeking Action Against Cop For 'Improper Behaviour'

Case Title: Thilakeshwari @ Sheela Kurian v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(Crl.) No. 1339 of 2025

Film producer Sheela Kurian has moved the Kerala High Court seeking action against Deputy Superintendent of Police, Madhu Babu alleging improper behaviour by him when she visited his office in connection with a criminal complaint.

When the matter came up for consideration before Justice G. Girish on Thursday, the judge take time to the prosecutor to take instructions in the case and issued notice to Deputy SP Madhu Babu (Respondent No. 6).