The Kerala High Court on Friday (January 30) directed the District Police Chief and the SHO, Payyanur to ensure that there is adequate protection to the life of expelled Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Kunhikrishnan V. ahead of the release of his book "Nethruthwathe Anigal Thiruthanam", which is stated to be an exposé on irregularities and mismanagement of martyrs funds and other funds by some of the leaders of CPI(M), including Payyanur MLA Madhusoodhanan T.I.The plea before Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas was preferred by Kunhikrishnan seeking police protection citing threat to his life and property.In his plea, Kunhikrishnan has stated that the release of the book is scheduled to be held at 5 p.m. on February 2 at Gandhi Park in Payyannur, Kannur. According to him, after the announcement of the release, there has been a series of law and order situations in Payyanur.When the matter came up for consideration, the Court issued notice to the parties. The government pleader took notice on behalf of the State, District Collector (Kannur), District Police Chief and the SHO of Payyanur Police Station. It was submitted that the District Police Chief (respondent 3) and the SHO (respondent 4) are ready to provide police protection.Recording the submission, the Court observed:"In view of the above and considering the submissions of the learned counsel for the petitioner, the respondents 3 and 4 are directed to ensure that there shall not be any threat to the life of the petitioner, including for the event scheduled on 4.2.2026 at Gandhi Park, Payyanur in connection with the release of the book authored by the petitioner pending disposal of the writ petition."The Court also ordered notice by Special Messenger to the party respondents, including MLA Madhusoodanan.The plea names several prominent party leaders who he claims have influence in the police force and who instigated "anti-social elements" to roam outside Kunhikrishnan's house in an attempt to intimidate him and his family."They have already shared their views declaring that the petitioner has to face serious consequence, as a result of his public disclosure on the internal affairs of the party. The supporters and followers of the said respondents have staged a protest march to the residential house of the petitioner and have thrown the fire crackers to threaten the family and his supporters," states the plea.The plea also makes a case that there are threats to physically obstruct the release of the book and that the petitioner is apprehending physical attacks against himself and other participants of the event. He had made requests seeking police protection to the District Police Chief, Kannur and the Station House Office of Payyanur but the same was not considered.Thus, Kunhikrishnan has prayed for a direction to consider the request and to order police protection to protect the personal liberty, life and properties of himself and the participants of the event.The matter will be taken up for consideration again on Friday (February 6).The petition is moved by Advocates Dr. Pratheep K.P., T.T. Biju, T. Thasmi and M.J. Anoopa.Case No: WP(C) 3700/2026Case Title: Kunhikrishnan V. v. State of Kerala and Ors.Click to Read/Download Interim Order
