'Irreplaceable Ecological Value': Kerala High Court Allows Road-Widening To Kannur Temple On Conditions Including Afforestation With 400 Trees

The Kerala High Court, in a recent ruling, gave the green signal for a road widening project that was undertaken near Madayikavu Bhagavathy Temple in Kannur after imposing several conditions, including afforestation by planting at least 400 trees.The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar took note of the fact that the area is an 'ecological paradise' and...

Withdrawal Slip Drawn On Co-operative Society Engaged In Banking Activities Qualifies As 'Cheque' U/S 6 NI Act: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court has recently held that a withdrawal slip drawn on a cooperative society, which is engaged in banking activities, falls within the definition of 'cheque' as provided under Section 6 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.Justice C.S. Dias held that cooperative societies performing banking functions can be considered as 'banker' as per Section 3 NI Act and therefore,...

Kerala High Court Disposes PIL On Bar Timings After Stakeholder Meet Resolves Labour Concerns

The Kerala High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging recent amendments to liquor regulations affecting bar hotel working hours, after noting that the concerns raised had been substantially addressed through a government led stakeholder consultation.A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. was hearing a petition filed by...

Motor Accidents | Absence Of Badge Not Breach Of Policy For Autorickshaw Driver, Insurer Liable To Compensate: Kerala High Court

The Kerala High Court, in a recent judgment, clarified that since there is no need for separate badges to drive autorickshaws if drivers hold valid licenses, absence of badge is not a fundamental breach of insurance policy conditions.Justice M.B. Snehalatha held that in such circumstances, the insurer is liable to compensate and it does not have the right to recover from the registered owner...

'Cochin Devaswom Board Duty-Bound To Ensure Basic Facilities To Devotees': Kerala High Court Calls For Proper Management Of 409 Temples

The Kerala High Court, in a recent order, remarked that the Cochin Devaswom Board has the duty to ensure basic amenities like sufficient toilets, safe drinking water, etc. to the devotees of the 409 temples managed by it.The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar was considering a suo motu devaswom board petition initiated on the basis of a complaint...

Supreme Court Collegium Approves Proposal To Appoint Two Women Advocates As Kerala High Court Judges

The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on April 14, 2026, has approved the proposal for the appointment of the following Advocates as Judges of the High Court of Kerala:Preeta Aravindan Krishnamma,Liz Mathew AnthraperLiz Mathew is a Senior Advocate practising at the Supreme Court.Click to Read/Download...

Appeal Moved Before Kerala High Court To Stall Release Of Movie Inspired By Venjaramoodu Mass Murder Case

An appeal has been moved before the Kerala High Court challenging a judgment of the Single Bench, which had dismissed a plea to stall the movie 'Kaalam Paranja Kadha' that is allegedly inspired by the Venjaramoodu Mass Murder case.Last week, the Single Judge had dismissed the writ petition filed by the father of the accused, who had stated that the movie would prejudicially affect the trial...

Kerala High Court Weekly Round-Up : April 06 - April 12, 2026

Nominal Index [Citations: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 186 - 195]Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors. & Ernakulam Kshethra Kshema Samithi v. Cochin Devaswom Board and Ors.,2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 186XXX v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 187Human Rights Foundations v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 188The Regional Manager, Food Corporation of India v. Mohandas, 2026 LiveLaw...

Kerala High Court Refuses Permission To Sell 'Compostable' Plastic Bottles At Sabarimala, Says They're Not Biodegradable

The Kerala High Court has held that a product classified as “compostable” under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 cannot simultaneously be treated as “biodegradable,” either scientifically or legally.The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar, were examining the legality of introducing PLA-based (polylactic acid) water bottles at...

Kerala High Court Stays Arrest Of Viral Kumbh Mela Star, Husband In MP Police FIR On Father's Abduction Complaint

The Kerala High Court has stayed, till May 20, the arrest of the viral Kumbh mela star and her husband in the crime registered pursuant to a complaint preferred by her father before the Madhya Pradesh police alleging abduction of his daughter.Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath initially passed an interim order staying their arrest on March 23 while considering their anticipatory bail...

Kerala High Court Refuses To Stay Wildlife Amendment Rules Allowing Declaration Of Animal Trophies, Ivory; Seeks State's Reply

The Kerala High Court has recently (8 April) directed the State to file an affidavit on a petition challenging the Kerala Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2026, alleging that the State government is attempting to dilute statutory safeguards and retrospectively legitimize illegal possession of wildlife articles, including ivory.A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen...

Kerala High Court Collegium Recommends Elevation Of Five Judicial Officers As HC Judges

The Kerala High Court Collegium has recommended the names of five judicial officers for elevation as High Court Judges. The recommendations are made based on the seniority of the District Judges. The recommended names are: 1. P.S.Sasikumar (Thrissur) 2. Honey M Varghese (Alappuzha) 3. K.K. Balakrishnan (Ernakulam) 4. N. Harikumar (Pathanamthitta) 5. S. Naseera...