Citations: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 600 - 610Nominal IndexX v. The Registrar (District Judiciary) and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 600Nivin Pauly v. State of Kerala and Ors., Abrid Shine v. State of Kerala and Anr., P.S. Shamnas v. State of Kerala and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 601 M.R. Ajayan v The Director, CBI and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 602 Chokkad Service Co-Operative Bank Ltd. v Labour Court and...
Citations: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 600 - 610
Nominal Index
X v. The Registrar (District Judiciary) and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 600
Nivin Pauly v. State of Kerala and Ors., Abrid Shine v. State of Kerala and Anr., P.S. Shamnas v. State of Kerala and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 601
M.R. Ajayan v The Director, CBI and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 602
Chokkad Service Co-Operative Bank Ltd. v Labour Court and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 603
Radhika Menon v. Branch Manager and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 604
X v. State of Kerala, 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 605
Sophy v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 606
X v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 607
State of Kerala and Ors. v Samatha M M and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 608
Rajan Babu v. State of Kerala, 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 609
Nirmala Johny and Ors. v State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 610
Judgments/ Orders This Week
Case Title : X v. The Registrar (District Judiciary) and Ors.
Citation : 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 600
The Kerala High Court recently upheld the denial of a serving Additional District Judge's request to engage a lawyer in disciplinary proceedings against him, holding that he could take the assistance of another judicial officer to defend himself. The Court noted that the charges, though serious, were not complicated.
Justice P. Gopinath observed:
“the charges against the petitioner may be serious. However, they are not complicated in themselves. The petitioner, with the assistance of another officer in the cadre of District Judge, can very well defend those charges.”
Case Title : Nivin Pauly v. State of Kerala and Ors., Abrid Shine v. State of Kerala and Anr., P.S. Shamnas v. State of Kerala and Anr.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 601
The Kerala High Court on Monday (October 26) quashed the crime registered against Malayalam film actor Nivin Pauly and director Abrid Shine at the instance of producer P.S. Shamnas alleging commission of fraud of ₹1.9 crore.
The Court also quashed the criminal case initiated against Shamnas alleging forgery of Nivin's signature in documents submitted to the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce.
Justice P.V. Balakrishnan noted that a settlement was reached between the parties and that they no longer had any grievances against each other.
Case Title : M.R. Ajayan v The Director, CBI and Anr.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 602
The Kerala High Court has held that statutory restrictions cannot curtail its constitutional powers under Article 226 of the Constitution to direct registration of a First Information Report (FIR) or an investigation where the materials before it disclose a cognizable offence warranting such action.
Justice A. Badharudeen delivered the judgment in a petition seeking direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to examine the alleged involvement of four individuals in an ongoing corruption investigation concerning officials of the Enforcement Directorate's Kochi Zonal Office.
Case Title : Chokkad Service Co-Operative Bank Ltd. v Labour Court and Ors.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 603
The Kerala High Court has held that an employee of a co-operative society need not exhaust the statutory appellate remedy available under Rule 198(4) of the Kerala Co-operative Societies Rules, 1969, before approaching the Labour Court under Section 2A(2) of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
Justice Viju Abraham delivered the judgment in an appeal filed by the Chokkad Service Co-operative Bank challenging the order of the Labour Court, Kozhikode
Justice P.V. Balakrishnan noted that a settlement was reached between the parties and that they no longer had any grievances against each other.
Kerala High Court Allows Cybercrime Victim To Use Bank Account Frozen Over ₹1.16 Crore Fraud
Case Title : Radhika Menon v. Branch Manager and Ors.
Citation : 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 604
The Kerala High Court recently directed Axis Bank to permit a cybercrime victim to operate and close her frozen bank account ignoring the requisition of ₹1.16 crores on the account.
Justice M.A. Abdul Hakhim was considering a writ petition preferred seeking a direction to the bank to unfreeze the account held in the name of the petitioner's LPG distributorship.
Case Title : X v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 605
The Kerala High Court recently granted pre-arrest bail to a lawyer, who is accused of sexually harassing a junior lady advocate practicing in Palakkad courts.
Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath granted bail after observing that custodial interrogation was not necessary.
Case Title : Sophy v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 606
The Kerala High Court recently struck down Rule 7(37) of the Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules, 2002 that prohibits employment of women in any capacity in toddy shops.
Justice P. Gopinath relied on Apex Court decision Anuj Garg and Ors. v. Hotel Association of India and observed that Rule 7(37) of the 2002 Rules is unconstitutional for being violative of Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
Case Title : X v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Citation : 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 607
The Kerala High Court recently directed the constitution of a Special Investigation Team of the Crime Branch to conduct further investigation in a high-profile medical negligence case involving 'Cosmetiq Hospital' in which a woman lost 9 fingers and developed serious medical complications after a cosmetic surgery.
Justice G. Girish noted that the hospital had the status of a 'day surgery centre' at the time of the petitioner's complex surgery and felt that a re-investigation was necessary on certain aspects to determine whether there was criminal negligence on the part of the accused persons running the hospital.
Case Title : State of Kerala and Ors. v Samatha M M and Ors.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 608
The Kerala High Court has upheld the rejection of an OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate to the daughter of a woman judge directly recruited to the Class I post, who sought reservation benefits for CLAT 2027.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar held that the criteria applicable to officers directly recruited to Class I posts cannot be mixed with those governing officers who enter such posts through promotion from lower service categories.
Case Title : Rajan Babu v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 609
The Kerala High Court, in a recent order, struck a balance between the accused's right to fair trial and the victim's right to privacy by permitting the accused's counsel to view a CCTV footage taken at the place of occurrence while refusing to give a copy of the same in order to safeguard a POCSO victim's privacy.
Justice Jobin Sebastian directed the trial judge to make arrangements to enable the accused's counsel to view the footage inside the courtroom and to take down necessary notes to facilitate the cross-examination of the witnesses.
Case Title : Nirmala Johny and Ors. v State of Kerala and Ors.
Citation : 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 610
The Kerala High Court on Friday (30 October) declared the constitution of an Expert Committee appointed by the State Government to examine allegations of coastal erosion caused by the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport project as flawed.
Justice Harisankar V Menon issued the directions in a writ petition instituted by the residents of of fishing villages situated within 20 kilometres north of Vizhinjam, who alleged that the construction of the seaport, particularly its breakwaters, had resulted in substantial coastal erosion on the northern side and accretion on the southern side.
Other Important Developments This Week
Case Title : Kerala Public Service Commission and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Anr
Case Number : WP(Crl.) 1497/ 2026
The Kerala High Court on Saturday (October 24) criticised the State over inadequate investigation in the case relating to the alleged irregularities in the examination conducted by the Kerala Public Service Commission for recruitment to the Planning Board.
Justice A. Badharudeen, while hearing a plea moved by the KPSC challenging Crime Branch FIR registered to probe into the alleged irregularities, orally remarked that the investigation is stalled or proceeding slowly. He added that the accused are not being questions and necessary documents are not being seized.
Kerala High Court Amends Internship Policy, Restricts Eligibility To Law Students In Final Two Years
The Kerala High Court has notified a new, amended internship policy for law students undergoing internship at the Court.
The Internship Policy for the High Court of Kerala, 2026 (Amended) would supersede the earlier policy notified earlier this year. The policy lays down the procedure and manner of applying and intake for internships, dress codes for interns, actions that would be construed as misconduct, etc.
Case Title : Pinarayi Vijayan v. Adv. K.M. Shajahan and Ors., Veena T. v. Adv. K.M. Shajahan and Ors., Mohammed Riyas P.A. v. Adv. K.M. Shajahan and Ors
Case Number : WA 2182/ 2026, WA 2183/ 2026, WA 2184/ 2026, WA 2185/ 2026
The Kerala High Court on Monday (October 26) has stayed the FIR registered against former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter Veena T. and son-in-law/ex-Minister Muhammed Riyas in CMRL-Exalogic pay off case, on a Single judge's direction to the Vigilance.
The Division Bench of Justice K. Natarajan and Justice Johnson John also stayed the further investigation in the case as well as the judgment of the Single Bench.
Sabarimala Gold Theft Case: Kerala High Court Directs State To Expedite Prosecution Sanction Process
Case Title : Suo Motu v. State of Kerala
Case Number : WP(C) 40608/ 2025
The Kerala High Court on Monday (October 26) directed the State Government to expedite the process of obtaining the legal advice required for seeking prosecution sanction in the Sabarimala gold theft cases, so that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) can submit its final report before the jurisdictional court without delay.
The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, while considering the suo motu petition initiated, interacted with P. Sasidharan IPS, who is the investigating officer heading the SIT.
Case Title : Hyder Ali K. v. Union of India and Ors.
Case Number : WP(C) 36632/2026
The Kerala High Court on Monday (October 26) sought the responses of the Centre and the State on whether any orders were issued to Meta Platforms for blocking the Facebook page of independent Malayalam digital media organisation "NoCap".
Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. today admitted the petition preferred by journalist Hyder Ali K., the Chief Editor of NoCap, and, granted time to the State and Central government counsels to get instructions.
Case Title : One Earth One Life v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Case Number : WP(C)Nos.1801/2010, 34095/2007, 38462/2018 & 19219/21 & Cont.Case(C)No.989/2019
The Kerala High Court recently proposed the constitution of a Special Task Force to implement the recommendations of various government committees/officers on the issue of illegal encroachments in Munnar, Vagamon and nearby areas in Idukki district.
The Munnar Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji was considering various connected matters, including a public interest litigation raising the issue of large-scale illegal encroachments and forged pattas in respect to the afore areas.
Case Title : Kerala Public Service Commission and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Anr.
Case Number : WP(Crl.) 1497/ 2026
The Kerala government on Tuesday (October 27) submitted before the High Court that the State Public Service Commission's plea, challenging the FIR against its staff members over alleged irregularities in examination for recruitment to the State Planning Board, is not maintainable.
When the matter came up today before Justice A. Badharudeen, Director General of Prosecution T.A. Asaf Ali appearing for the State submitted that the investigation into the case is progressing well. He further submitted that PSC is also proactive now and has already suspended two persons.
Case Title : T. N. Prathapan v Union of India and Ors. and connected cases
Case Number : WP(PIL) 50/ 2025 and connected cases
The Kerala High Court has permitted a Special Committee of Government Officers to resume its functions, including negotiations relating to environmental damage, restoration, remediation and compensation arising from the incident involving Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K. V. Jayakumar issued the direction in a batch of public interest litigations raising questions regarding the navigational hazards, marine pollution and livelihood issues of coastal communities posed following the sinking of MSC Elsa 3 along the coast of Kerala.
Case Title : Jaseela C. v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Case Number : WP(Crl.) 1485/2026
The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (October 27) sought an explanation from the State as to why public prosecutor of a different court was assigned to prosecute the criminal trial in the 2019 rash driving case against IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman, that resulted in the death of journalist K.M. Basheer.
Justice C. Jayachandran observed:
"State Attorney will also get specific instructions as to why the subject case was not permitted to be prosecuted by the Prosecutor attached to the Court concerned; and as to why a Prosecutor who is officiating in a different Court has been given the task."
Case Title : Adv. P.K. Muralikrishnan v State of Kerala and Ors. and Joy Kaitharath v The State of Kerala and Ors
Case Number : WP(PIL) 215/ 2026 and WP(PIL) 216/ 2026
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (28 October) sought clarification from the State on whether vigilance inquiries against officials are exempt from disclosure under RTI Act.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V. M sought the clarification in a public interest litigation challenging the State Government's decision to bring the T1 and T2 sections of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) within the ambit of an exemption from the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act).
Plea In Kerala High Court Challenges Its Internship Policy
Case Title : Austin Suney v. High Court of Kerala and Ors.
Case Number : WP(C) 35452/2026
A plea has been moved before the Kerala High Court challenging its internship policy, which restricts entry and eligibility to only law students in the last year of their courses.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan passed an interim order directing for the issuance of a temporary entry pass to the petitioner to enable him to effectively pursue his internship.
The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 29) granted interim protection from the arrest to the District Judge accused in the Kochi-Mercedes Benz accident that occurred on Sunday (October 25) in Cheranalloor.
Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath granted interim relief in the Judge's anticipatory bail plea.
Case Title : One Earth One Life v. State of Kerala and Ors.
Case Number : WP(C)Nos.1801/2010, 34095/2007, 38462/2018 & 19219/21 & Cont.Case(C)No.989/2019
The Kerala High Court on Thursday (October 29) urged the State to promptly suggest names of government officers, who can be part of the Special Task Force (STF) proposed to tackle the issue of large-scale encroachment of government lands in Munnar, Vagamon and nearby areas.
The Munnar Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji orally remarked that there cannot be any more delay in this important issue and the first priority is the constitution of the STF, for which the government has to suggest names of three of its officers.
Case Title : In Re: Compliance with the Directions issued by the Supreme Court in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No(s). 5 of 2025
Case Number : W.P.(C).No.23376/2026
The Kerala High Court on Thursday (29 October) suggested establishment of common stray dog shelters in Panchayats that could not identify suitable land for the establishment of shelters.
The Division Bench of Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preeta A.K. was considering a suo motu petition instituted to comply with the Apex Court's directions in In Re : City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay Price v State of Andhra Pradesh.
Case Title : Pooja Maheshwar v State of Kerala and Ors.
Case Number : WP(PIL) 188/ 2026
A public interest litigation has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking directions to establish a specialised State-level mechanism to prevent, investigate and respond to serious cases of cyberbullying, online harassment and other forms of technology-facilitated abuse, particularly those allegedly linked to suicide or serious self-harm.
When the matter was taken up on Wednesday (28 October) before the Division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M, the Additional Advocate General submitted that the instructions have been received on the matter and a detailed affidavit will be filed within two weeks.
Case Title : P. M . Joseph Saju v Union of India and Ors.
Case Number : WP(PIL) 213/ 2026
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (28 October) urged the State government to take urgent steps to implement the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, across Kerala, noting that the scheme has yet to be implemented in the State despite a specific directive from the Supreme Court.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. passed the order while considering a public interest litigation seeking appropriate direction for the effective implementation of the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018.
Case Title : Joyal S. Anto v. State of Kerala and Suhail v. State of Kerala
Case Number : Bail Appl. 6643/2026 and Bail Appl. 6680/2026
Suhail Sajeev and Joyal S. Anto, the first and third accused in the Kochi Mini Cooper crash case that claimed the lives of 3 persons, have moved the Kerala High Court seeking regular bail.
Case Title : Yeshwanth Shenoy v Bar Council of India and Ors.
Case Number : WP(C) 26232/ 2026
The Kerala High Court on Friday (30 October) dismissed an interlocutory application seeking to restrain Ajith T.S, the former Chairman of the Bar Council of Kerala, from holding himself out as the Executive Trustee of the Kerala Advocates Academy for Continuing Legal Education Trust attending a scheduled function in that capacity.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan dismissed the interlocutory application.
Kerala High Court To Celebrate Its Platinum Jubilee On November 1
The Kerala High Court would be celebrating its Platinum Jubilee on Sunday (November 1) at 11:00 am at the High Court premises. The Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will inaugurate the ceremony and give an inaugural address.
Kerala High Court Orders Dignified Burial Of Indian Man Whose Body Remained In UAE For 1.5 Years
Case Title : Mary Victoria v. Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India and Ors.
Case Number : WP(C) No. 35189 of 2025
The Kerala High Court recently intervened to ensure a decent burial of a 71-year-old man, who died in the UAE in 2025 but whose mortal remains was kept in a laboratory for the last 1 ½ years due to certain family disputes.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan observed that the Court need consider the relatives' disagreement and that there is a duty to ensure that due respect and a proper burial is given to a deceased.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Sunday (November 1) inaugurated the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of the Kerala High Court, marking 70 years since its inception on November 1, 1956.