Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 565

Shaji @ Shaiju v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 566

Dr. A Neelalohithadasan Nadar v State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 567

Sunilkumar v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 568

XXX v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 569

Suo Motu v State of Kerala and Ors, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 570

Rajappan v State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 571

Saravanabhava v. The District Collector and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 572

Rakhi v. Krishnakumar and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 573

Shone George v Union of India and connected matters, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 574

Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 575

Jayasree Rajkumar v Inspector of Police and Another, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 576

V.J. Kurian v. State of Kerala and Anr., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 577

Vishnu v State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 578

Manoj v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 579

Farhana Latheef v Revenue Divisional Officer and Others, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 580

Marthoma Syrian Church v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 581

Rajan V K v State of Kerala and Another, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 582

Kumar K.P. v. State of Kerala and Anr. and connected cases, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 583

Anirudh P. v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 584

The Principal, Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 585

Jubairiya v Saidalavi, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 586

Rahul M. R v State of Kerala and Anr. and connected case, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 587

Judgments/ Orders This Week

Kerala High Court Says Alappuzha School Flooding Likely Aggravated By 'Man-Made Factors', Orders Study To Devise Long-Term Measures

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 565

The Kerala High Court recently directed the state government to take action to address the issue of recurrent flooding in Kuttanad area of Alappuzha district. It directed that the action be taken based on the preliminary and detailed reports, which are to be submitted by the Chief Engineer after conducting a detailed study of the area.

The direction was made by the Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji in a suo motu public interest litigation instituted after receipt of a letter from the teachers and students of the SNDP Higher Secondary School, Kuttamangalam in Kainakary Grama Panchayat regarding flooding of classroom and consequent interruption of classes.

S.528 BNSS | High Courts Can Exercise Inherent Jurisdiction To Permit Withdrawal Of Criminal Appeals Preferred By Convicts: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Shaji @ Shaiju v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 566

The Kerala High Court recently permitted the withdrawal of two criminal appeals filed by convicts by exercising the inherent power available to it under Section 528 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (corresponding to Section 482 of Code of Criminal Procedure).

Justice Gopinath P. clarified that such power to permit withdrawal of appeals is available only to the High Courts and not to subordinate courts entertaining appeals.

Kerala High Court Acquits Former Minister Neelalohithadasan Nadar In 1999 Sexual Harassment Case

Case Title: Dr. A Neelalohithadasan Nadar v State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 567

The Kerala High Court has acquitted Dr. A. Neelalohithadasan Nadar, former Forest Minister of Kerala accused of outraging the modesty of a woman Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer.

Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath delivered the judgment on Monday, allowing the criminal revision petition filed by Dr. Nadar against his earlier conviction by the Judicial First Class Magistrate, Kozhikode, in 2004, which was subsequently upheld by the Sessions Court, Kozhikode, in 2005.

IO Who Conducted Part Of Investigation Can Be Examined By Prosecution Despite Omission Of His Name In Final Report: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Sunilkumar v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 568

The Kerala High Court recently passed a judgment directing the trial court to summon and examine as prosecution witness one of the investigating officers whose name was not included in the final report filed in a criminal trial.

Justice G. Girish was considering an original petition filed by the accused on being aggrieved by the trial court's order denying his prayer to examine a Deputy Superintendent of Police, who had conducted part of the investigation.

S.198B CrPC | Cognizance Of Rape U/S 376B IPC Can Be Taken Only Upon Complaint By Separated Wife, Not On Police Report: Kerala High Court

Case Title: XXX v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 569

The Kerala High Court has recently quashed the criminal proceedings initiated against a man accused of raping his separated wife after noting that cognizance of offence under Section 376B IPC was not taken in accordance with Section 198B of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The court said that as per Section 198B CrPC, cognizance of offence under Section 376B IPC (Sexual intercourse by husband upon his wife during separation) can be taken only upon complaint by wife and it bars cognizance in any other manner.

Justice G Girish delivered the judgment.

Kerala High Court Closes Suo Motu Case On Unauthorized Fundraising For Sabarimala Panchaloha Idol, Orders Police To Complete Probe

Case Title: Suo Motu v State of Kerala and Ors

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 570

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday closed the suo motu proceedings initiated over the unauthorized collection of funds for installing a Panchaloha idol of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple by a private individual.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar held that no further orders were necessary after the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) withdrew its earlier permission and the accused expressed willingness to defer the project.

S.53A Abkari Act | Violation Of Procedure For Drawing Samples Of Contraband Vitiates Prosecution: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Rajappan v State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 571

The Kerala High Court has acquitted a man sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for four years over alleged possession and manufacture of arrack, citing the failure of the prosecution to establish possession or ownership of the property where the contraband was seized, along with non-compliance of Section 53A (Disposal of seized liquor, intoxicating drugs or articles) of the Abkari Act.

Justice Johnson John, set aside the conviction of the appellant who had been sentenced to four years' imprisonment by the IV Additional Sessions Court, Thodupuzha. The trial court had held him guilty under Sections 55(g) (use or keeps, or has in possession any materials for the purpose of manufacturing liquor or toddy) and 8(1) read with 8(2) (Prohibition of manufacture, import, export, transport, transit, possession, storage, sales, etc., of arrack) of the Abkari Act.

National Highways Act | Only Disputes Which Cannot Be Decided By Competent Authority May Be Referred To Civil Court U/S 3H(4): Kerala HC

Case Title: Saravanabhava v. The District Collector and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 572

The Kerala High Court has recently clarified the meaning of the word 'dispute' falling under Section 3H(4) of the National Highways Act, 1956. The court was considering the nature of disputes that must be referred to a civil court by the Competent Authority under the NH Act.

As per Section 3H(4), two types of disputes have to be referred to the civil court: disputes as to the apportionment of amount and, disputes as to the person to whom compensation is payable.

The Division Bench comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V. Menon observed that disputes that are to be referred to the civil court are only those which the competent authority cannot itself decide without adjudication.

Hindu Marriage Act | Second Marriage During Appeal Period Valid If Divorce Decree Remains Unchallenged By Ex-Spouse: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Rakhi v. Krishnakumar and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 573

The Kerala High Court has recently held that a marriage contracted within the time frame provided for appealing a decree of divorce dissolving previous marriage would not be considered to be illegal if the decree is unchallenged by the former spouse.

The decision was passed by the Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha while considering an original petition by a wife (petitioner) challenging the Family Court's order.

'Stranger' Not Entitled To Certified Copies Of Criminal Records, Court Should Call For Objections From Affected Persons: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Shone George v Union of India and connected matters

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 574

The Kerala High Court has ruled that third parties cannot claim an automatic right to certified copies of documents filed in criminal proceedings, particularly in cases investigated by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO).

Justice V.G. Arun delivered the judgment while deciding three connected criminal miscellaneous cases concerning the SFIO probe into Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd. (CMRL) and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Limited.

Petrol Pump Toilets On National Highways To Be Open During Working Hours, Not 24X7: Kerala High Court Modifies Single Judge Order

Case Title: Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 575

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (September 18) modified a Single judge's interim order mandating all petroleum retail outlets located along National Highways in the state to keep their washrooms open to the public 24/7.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Amit Rawal and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan modified the first two directions passed by the Single Judge to the extent that it mandated all retails outlets to provide round-the-clock use of toilet facilities by the public.

Kerala High Court Upholds Conviction Of Public Servant In Corruption Case, Cites Her 'Voluntary' Confession

Case Title: Jayasree Rajkumar v Inspector of Police and Another

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 576

The Kerala High Court refused to interfere with a trial court order, which found a public servant guilty of misappropriating over ₹2 Lakh, observing that the sanction order under the Prevention of Corruption Act was issued by the authority after due application of mind and that the accused had voluntarily given handwritten confessional statements.

The court also said that the accused had not challenged the statements before superiors on the ground that it was given under threat. Thus, while upholding the conviction, the court modified her sentence.

Justice A Badharudeen delivered the judgment in a criminal appeal.

Kerala High Court Upholds Order For 'Quick Verification' Of Graft Complaint Against Ex-MD Of CIAL Over Alleged Illegal Transfer Of Shares

Case Title: V.J. Kurian v. State of Kerala and Anr.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 577

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (September 18) upheld the order of Enquiry Commissioner and Special Judge (Vigilance) directing quick verification in a complaint made against V.J. Kurian, former Managing Director of Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL).

Justice A. Badharudeen passed the order while considering a plea by Kurian challenging the quick verification order passed by the Special Judge. The judge observed:

“On scrutiny of the materials, along with the statement filed by the Investigating Officer to get prior approval under Section 17A of the PC Act, 2018, there is no necessity to interfere with the order impugned and the further steps as per the order can be proceeded on getting approval under Section 17A of the PC Act, 2018, sought for.”

Previous Sanction Under Section 17A Not Required To Prosecute Public Servants for Benami Deals: Kerala High Court

Case Title: V.J. Kurian v. State of Kerala and Anr.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 577

The Kerala High Court has recently observed that a public servant purchasing shares as “benami” and the purchasing of public property under a “benami” does not come within the purview of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.

Justice A. Badharudeen was considering a plea challenging the quick verification order passed by a Special Judge (Vigilance) to look into a complaint against an alleged incident of transfer of around 1,20,000 ESOP shares of CIAL (Cochin International Airport Ltd.) to a non-employee by its former Managing Director in 2004.

Kerala High Court Grants Bail To Man Accused U/S 69 BNS, Cites Consensual Relationship With Victim

Case Title: Vishnu v State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 578

The Kerala High Court granted bail to a man booked for engaging in sexual relations with a divorced woman on the pretext of marriage, observing that prima facie there seemed to be a consensual relationship between the two.

The case arose from allegations against the petitioner, accused under Sections 69(Sexual intercourse by employing deceitful means, etc), 74(Assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), and 115(2) (Voluntarily causing hurt) of the BNS.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas delivered the judgment.

S.124 & 125 BSA | Kerala High Court Issues Additional Directions For Recording Evidence Of Vulnerable Witnesses

Case Title: Manoj v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 579

The Kerala High Court recently passed a judgment outlining certain additional directions for recording the evidence of vulnerable witnesses. These directions are in addition to the guidelines issued through Notification No. D1-7/17562/2022 dated 21.12.2024, the Court clarified.

Justice Gopinath P. was considering an appeal preferred by a convict challenging the conviction and sentence passed by the Sessions Court for the alleged commission of an offence under Section 376(2)(l) IPC.

Kerala Conservation Of Paddy Land & Wetland Act | Order Passed On Plea For Changing Nature Of Unnotified Land Appealable U/S 27B: High Court

Case Title: Farhana Latheef v Revenue Divisional Officer and Others

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 580

The Kerala High Court held that the orders passed by the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) on an application for change of nature of unnotified land are appealable under Section 27B of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008.

The Court held that the application for change of nature of unnotified land submitted in Form 6, Form 7, or Form 9 under Rule 12 of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Rules, 2008—are traceable to Section 27A(2) of the Wetland Act and are hence appealable under Section 27 B [Appeal] of the Act.

Justice Viju Abraham delivered the judgment in a writ petition challenging the RDO's rejection of Form 9 application seeking to change the nature of her property.

Buildings Providing Free Housing To Aged, Disabled Persons Who Served Religious/Charitable Institutions Exempt From Building Tax: Kerala HC

Case Title: Marthoma Syrian Church v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 581

The Kerala High Court has recently observed that a building used to provide free housing to aged and disabled persons, and their dependents, would be exempt from tax if these persons had rendered their services in the charitable/religious institutions managed by the building owner. The building owner would be granted the benefit of Section 3(1)(b) of the Kerala Building Tax Act, 1975.

Section 3(1)(b) provides for exemption from payment of building tax if the building is primarily used for religious, charitable or educational purposes or as factories and workshops.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. delivered the judgment.

Kerala High Court Refuses To Discharge Bus Driver In Fatal Accident Case Despite FIR Based On Non-Eyewitness Statement

Case Title: Rajan V K v State of Kerala and Another

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 582

The Kerala High Court has dismissed a revision petition filed by a bus driver accused in a 2016 road accident that claimed the life of a motorcyclist, despite arguments that the prosecution's case rested on a First Information Report (FIR) registered on the basis of a statement from a non-eyewitness relative of the deceased.

Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath, dismissed the revision petition.

Kerala High Court Confirms Life Sentence Of Six Assailants In Munambam Abhilash Murder Case

Case Title: Kumar K.P. v. State of Kerala and Anr. and connected cases

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 583

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (September 18) confirmed the finding of guilt and sentence of life imprisonment granted to the six assailants in the Munambam Abhilash murder case. Abhilash, a CPI(M) activist hailing from Munambam, was murdered on the night of May 19 2005 by the appellants, who were workers of BJP using swords, iron rods, etc.

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar observed that the prosecution succeeded in proving the case against the appellants beyond reasonable doubt.

Refusal Of Sanction Without Considering Prosecution Material, Merely Praising Accused's Work Not Valid: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Anirudh P. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 584

The Kerala High Court has recently held that a sanction order denying prosecution of public servant is not valid if the same was made without reference to the prosecution materials and merely depicts appraisal of the accused's contributions. Such an order cannot be termed to be one made with application of mind, it added.

Justice A. Badharudeen remarked that though sanction order is a safeguard against frivolous litigation, the same cannot be considered in a pedantic manner. He was considering a writ petition filed by a student of the Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit challenging the Syndicate's order denying sanction to prosecute a Head of the department of the University (8th respondent). He also sought a direction to the University to decide on grant of sanction in accordance with law.

University's Wisdom To Prescribe Minimum Standards Of Education Cannot Be Questioned In Writ Petition: Kerala High Court

Case Title: The Principal, Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 585

The Kerala High Court recently held that a University's decision to prescribe minimum standards to increase the quality of education in the colleges cannot be questioned in a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

Justice N. Nagaresh was considering a writ petition preferred by a college under the Kerala University of Health Sciences. The college had intended to introduce various para-medical courses and though NOC was issued by the government, the University rejected the application.

A Beggar Cannot Be Directed to Pay Maintenance under Section 125 CrPC: Kerala High Court Rules

Case Title: Jubairiya v Saidalavi

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 586

The Kerala High Court has held that a person who subsists on begging cannot be directed to pay maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), even if his wife seeks sustenance from him.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, while disposing of a revision petition, upheld a Family Court order that had dismissed a claim by the petitioner, who sought ₹10,000 monthly maintenance from her husband, a blind man who survives on alms and occasional assistance from neighbours.

Islam Permits Polygamy Only When A Man Can Do Justice Between Wives : Kerala High Court

Case Title: Jubairiya v Saidalavi

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 586

Kerala High Court has observed that Islam permits polygamy only when a man has the ability to give equal justice to his wives.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan, made the observations while disposing of a revision petition, which upheld a Family Court order that had dismissed a claim by the petitioner wife , who sought ₹10,000 monthly maintenance from her husband, a blind man who survives on alms and occasional assistance from neighbours.

SC/ST Act | No Bar On Granting Pre-Arrest Bail If Substantive Offence Not Found To Be Committed: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Rahul M R v State of Kerala and Anr. and connected case

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 587

The Kerala High Court has recently held that the bar against grant of anticipatory bail would not apply in cases where an offence under Section 3(2)(v) of SC/ST is alleged if there is a prima facie conclusion that the substantive offence punishable by 10 years' imprisonment has not been committed.

Justice Gopinath P. observed: “In other words, in cases where the allegation is that an offence under Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST Act has been committed and when this Court prima facie concludes that the substantive offence punishable with a term of imprisonment for a period of 10 years or more has not been committed, the said prima facie conclusion is sufficient to hold that the bar under Section 18 of the SC/ST Act against the grant of anticipatory bail will not apply.”

Other Important Developments This Week

Kerala High Court Will Soon Use WhatsApp To Communicate Listing, Other Updates To Advocates & Litigants

The Kerala High Court has recently issued a notice informing about its decision to incorporate WhatsApp messaging as an additional feature in its Case Management System (CMS).

The additional feature, which is set to start with effect from October 6 in a phased manner, would communicate information related to e-Filing defects, listing details, proceedings and other relevant updates. Communications would be sent to advocates, litigants and parties-in-person.

Kerala High Court 'Strongly Deprecates' Removal Of Gold Coverings From Sabarimala Idols Without Permission, Lets Repair Work Continue

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: SSCR No. 23 of 2025

The Kerala High Court on Monday (September 15) passed an interim order permitting Smart Creations, a Chennai-based concern, to continue the repair works on the gold plating on the Dwarapalaka idols at Sabarimala temple and to return them immediately upon completion of the work.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considering a suo motu petition initiated on the basis of a report submitted by the Special Commissioner stating that the gold platings were removed without prior intimation to it. The Travancore Core Devaswom Board (TDB), with sponsorship from devotee Unnikrishnan Potty (7th respondent), had sent the items to Smart Creations (8th respondent) for electroplating.

Kerala High Court Empowers High-Level Committee To Oversee Pollution Control In Periyar River

Case Title: Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi v State of Kerala and connected Matters

Case No: WP(C) 996/ 2012 and Connected Matters

The Kerala High Court has issued directions to address the persistent pollution of the Periyar River, by empowering the High Level Committee to oversee pollution control in Periyar River while expressing dissatisfaction over the government's delay in constituting a unified authority for its conservation.

The division bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha issued directions while considering a batch of petitions concerning the pollution of Periyar river.

Kerala HC Issues Notice On Plea Challenging Micro & Small Enterprise Facilitation Council Rules For Being Inconsistent With MSMED Act

Case Title: M/s Malabar Furniture Consortium Pvt. Ltd. v. Union of India and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) No. 33251 of 2025

A plea has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the Kerala Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council Rules, 2023 for being inconsistent with Section 21 of the Central Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.

When the matter came for admission on Tuesday, Justice Mohammed Nias C.P. issued notice to the parties.

Kerala High Court Orders Inquiry Into Alleged 4Kg Gold Loss From Sabarimala Dwarapalaka Idols

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: SSCR No. 23 of 2025

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (September 17) directed the Chief Vigilance and Security Officer(SP) to look into the alleged discrepancies regarding 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.

Kerala HC Allows PV Anvar To Be Added As Party In MR Ajithkumar's Plea Challenging Decision To Prosecute Him In Disproportionate Assets Case

Case Title: M.R. Ajithkumar v. State of Kerala

Case No: Crl.MC 7741/2025

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (September 17) allowed the impleading petition filed by former MLA P.V. Anvar in a plea filed by ADGP M.R. Ajithkumar challenging a Special Court's decision to prosecute him in a disproportionate assets case.

Justice A. Badharudheen allowed the petition and impleaded Anvar as additional 3rd respondent. Anvar had raised a contention that the present case originated solely from his own complaint to the Chief Minister, Kerala during his tenure as MLA. He alleged large scale corruption, fraud, embezzlement and anti-national activities by Ajithkumar in collusion with certain officials and non-officials.

Kerala High Court Defers Hearing On Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple Idol, Awaits Chief Thanthri's Report

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 adjourned proceedings concerning the defects in Moolavigraha (principal idol) of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, noting that the Chief Thanthri — the ultimate authority on spiritual matters — was presently unable to provide his inputs due to a bereavement in his family.

A division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha delivered the order.

Kerala High Court Seeks State's Stand On Notification Of Human Rights Courts, Information On CCTV Cameras In Police Stations

Case Title: G. Samuel and Ors. v. Chief Secretary and Ors.

Case No: WP(PIL) No. 113 of 2025

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (September 16) asked the state government to file a statement declaring that Human Rights Courts, as contemplated under Section 30 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, had been duly notified.

It also told the State to place on record information relating to the functioning of CCTV cameras in police stations.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji was considering a PIL filed by four persons, including Youth Congress leader Sujith V.S., who was allegedly subjected to custodial torture by the police.

NH-544 Traffic Snarl: Kerala High Court To Reconsider Toll Suspension As Interim Panel Finds NHAI's Repair Works Satisfactory

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

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

The Kerala High Court today orally observed that it will consider lifting suspension of toll collection at Paliyekkara Toll Plaza (Thrissur district) on NH-544 highway, in light of the repair works carried out by the National Highway Authority of India.

The division bench comprising Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V Menon orally remarked,

"We will be considering whether there is substantial compliance and whether suspension of toll collection should be lifted or not."

Kerala High Court Seeks Centre's Response On Plea Against Arundhati Roy's Book Showing Her Smoking Without Health Warning

Case Title: Rajasimhan v Union of India

Case No: WP(PIL) 117/ 2025

The Kerala High Court has called for Centre's response on a petition filed challenging Arundhati Roy's book "Mother Mary Comes To Me", the 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.

When the matter came before the division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, the Petitioner submitted that the book violates Section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2013.

NH-544: Kerala High Court Hints At Resuming Toll Collection At Paliyekkara Toll Plaza

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

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

The Kerala High Court on Friday said it will consider allowing toll Collection at Paliyekkara Toll Plaza (Thrissur district) on NH-544 highway, from Monday onwards.

The division bench comprising Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V Menon were told that the Interim Traffic Management Committee, tasked to oversee the congested stretch of the highway, is "satisfied" with the works carried out by NHAI.

'Justice Not Abstract But A Living Reality, Must Be Accessible To All': Kerala High Court Bids Farewell To Justice Amit Rawal

The Kerala High Court held a farewell reference for Justice Amit Rawal on Friday (September 19) who is set to retire on September 21 on attaining age of superannuation.

The ceremonial reference was attended by members of the Bench, Bar, and legal fraternity.

Justice Rawal in his farewell speech expressed his gratitude to the Kerala Bar and Bench for embracing him with warmth since his transfer to the high court in 2019.

Kerala High Court Proposes Minimum 45 Yrs Age, 10 Yrs Practice For Designation As Senior Advocate, Invites Suggestions From Bar

The Kerala High Court on Friday (September 19) issued a notice containing the draft High Court of Kerala (Designation of Senior Advocates) Rules, 2025 as per which one of the conditions for eligibility is that advocate should be 45 years of age.

It has suggestions/ objections on the same, which has to be submitted in writing to the Registrar General, High Court of Kerala, Ernakulam - 682031. The suggestions are to reach the High Court latest by 6 - 10 - 2025. 

Kerala High Court Issues SOP For Paperless Operation Of 'Model Digital Family Court' In Sasthamkotta

The Kerala High Court has issued an office memorandum notifying an SOP consolidating the procedures for filing, case handling, viewing, production and retention of documents, service of processes, transfer of cases, and payment workflows governing Model Digital Family Court, Sasthamkotta.

The SOP has been prepared by the IT Directorate of the High Court for implementation of a Model Digital Family Court, Sasthamkotta. It is stated that the SOP is to be supplemental to the Civil Rules of Practice, 1971 (Kerala) and the Criminal Rules of Practice, Kerala, 1982. The SOP states that it applies to the digital infrastructure as mandated for paperless operations.