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Kerala High Court Quarterly Digest: January To March, 2024 [Citations 1 - 210]
Rubayya Tasneem
24 April 2024 9:00 AM GMT
![Kerala High Court Quarterly Digest: January To March, 2024 [Citations 1 - 210]](https://www.livelaw.in/h-upload/2024/04/01/750x450_531475-kerala-high-court-quarterly-digest-2024.webp "Kerala High Court Quarterly Digest: January To March, 2024 [Citations 1 - 210]")
Nominal Index Citations [2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 1-210]Union of India & Ors. v. P.K. Santhosh Kumar, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 1P C Najeeb v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 2George Mathew v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 3XXX v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 4Ranjith Kumar K.V. & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 5X v Y, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 6Thazheveettil...
Nominal Index Citations [2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 1-210]
Union of India & Ors. v. P.K. Santhosh Kumar, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 1
P C Najeeb v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 2
George Mathew v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 3
XXX v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 4
Ranjith Kumar K.V. & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 5
X v Y, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 6
Thazheveettil Naushan and ors. v. Elizabeth Regive, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 7
Sajithabai & Ors. v. Kerala Water Authority & Ors. and connected matter, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 8
Sameerali v. Muhammed, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 9
Gangadharan v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 10
Baby v. Chandramathy, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 11
Shaju Pachelil Pathrose Versus Additional/Joint/Deputy/Assistant Commissioner Of Income Tax, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 12
Mathew Kunju Mathew v. K.V. Kuriakose & Anr. and connected matters, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 13
A H Sheriff v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 14
Ashiya Ummal v. S.N. Sathy & Ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 15
Prabhulla P v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 16
XXX v State of Kerala, 2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 17
Sreekumar v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 18
XX v. State of Kerala & Ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 19
Kaliman Thozhilali Kshema Vyavasaya Sahakarana Sangam Ltd. v District Geologist, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 20
Angels Nair v Union of India, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 21
Suresh Gopi V State Of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 22
Premakumari R. v. O.K. Sivasankara Pillai & Ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 23
Edwin Andrew Minihan v Union of India, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 24
Sabu George & Ors. v. James George & Ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 25
Jins Francis V State Of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 26
Rohith Giri v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 27
XXX v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 28
Jaseer SM v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 29
Central Board Of Trustees v Bake N Joy Hot Bakery 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 30
Narayanankutty K v Cochin Devaswom Board 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 31
Hemalatha S. Nair v. State of Kerala & Ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 32
State of Kerala v Dr Praveen Kumar T K 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 33
Yadhu Krishnan and ors. v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 34
C Lajith and Ors. v. State of Kerala and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 35
Manoj TK v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 36
Kaleshkumar KK v. State of Kerala & ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 37
Sangha Erectors Pvt. Ltd. v. Laxmi Cranes and Trailers Pvt. Ltd. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 38
Thapas Berman v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 39
M/S. Professional Copier Services India (Pvt) Ltd Versus State Of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 40
XXX v State of Kerala 2024 Lilvelaw (Ker) 41
Sabu Varghese v. Viju P. Varghese & Ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 42
Dr. Annie Mareena Issac V Employees State Insurance Corporation, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 43
XXX & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Connected case, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 44
Lekshmi M V Sudhamony Amma, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 45
Anwer Hussain T v. Union Territory of Lakshadweep, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 46
Neyan Veettil Behsana V Local Registrar For Births And Deaths & Marriages, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 47
K Sekharan v. State of Kerala & Ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 48
Sasidharan A v Vijayan Unnithan, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 49
Renjith Raj v State, Represented By CI of Police, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 50
Rajeswari v Omana Amma, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 51
Azharudheen v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 52
Sivaprakashan v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 53
T. Rema & Ors. v. AK Radhamani & Anr., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 54
Mohammed Manath Ibrahim v Thrikkakara Municipality, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 55
Joseph A U v Princy P J, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 56
C. Surendranath v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 57
Karuvangadan Mukthar @ Muthu v The Superintendent, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 58
Laila Bhagaval Singh v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 59
PP Farooque & anr. v. Deputy Superintendent of Police, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 60
SJ v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 61
E Pradeeep Kumar IFS v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 62
Poyil Salim V Thazhe Kandoth Mariyam, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 63
Sreejith R v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 64
Davood v. State of Kerala & ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 65
Suresh Kumar @ Sarath Nair v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 66
Dr M V Narayanan v Chancellor & Connected Cases, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 67
Jhonny Alexander Duran Sola v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 68
XXX v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 69
Coach India v Superintendent of Central Tax And Central Excise, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 70
Karuvangadan Mukthar @ Muthu v The Superintendent, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 71
Venugopal v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 72
Shree Dhanwantari Chits India Pvt Ltd. v. Banu & ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 73
Welfare Association of Kitco Employees (Wake) & ors v. Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organization (Kitco) & ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 74
XXX v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 75
Arifa TK v. The District Collector & ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 76
Lenin Raj AK v. State of Kerala & anr., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 77
Jollyamma v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 78
Rahul R v. State of Kerala & Anr., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 79
Litty Thomas v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 80
Shine Kumar v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 81
Nikson v. Samkutty, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 82
Deputy Commissioner (Works Contract), Kerala State Goods and Services Tax Department vs. National Company Law Tribunal, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 83
Abdul Kabeer P.U v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 84
Santhakumari Amma N. v. State of Kerala & Anr., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 85
Sarojam L v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 86
Jose v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 87
Radhika v. Unnikrishnan 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 88
Deputy Commissioner (Works Contract), Kerala State Goods and Services Tax Department vs. National Company Law Tribunal 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 89
Shinoj Singh & Ors. v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 90
Sreeranj v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 91
K. G. Mohandas v Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI) 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 92
Sandeep v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 93
Deekshit VR v. The State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 94
Sanjay Oraon v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 95
Joji Varghese v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 96
S. Manimekhala v. State of Kerala & Ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 97
Union of India v. Udayachandran P 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 98
Bichitra Mohanty v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 99
Noushid P A v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 100
Ratheesh K R v Director, Akshaya Project & Connected Case 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 101
Arun Joseph v Union of India 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 102
Jebin Joseph v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 103
Babu @Palraj v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 104
AD v. B 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 105
Sanitha Saji v. Salimkumar, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 106
Chandini CK v. The State of Kerala and ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 107
In Re Bruno v Union of India, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 108
Padma Conductors Pvt Ltd. v MIRC Electronics, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 109
Maheswari S & ors v. State of Kerala & ors.,2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 110
Meena v Joint Regional Transport Officer, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 111
V K Sankarankutty v State of Kerala & Connected Cases, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 112
Romeo Victor & anr. v. Cheranaloor Grama Panchayath & ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 113
Kumarthupady Shri Bhagavathy Temple v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 114
Sreedevi M v State Of Kerala ,2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 115
Teresa Mary George v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 116
PM Gopi v. Union of India and ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 117
Noel Joseph v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 118
Soby George v. State of Kerala & ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 119
Biju V.R @ Biju Vaishyanparambil v Central Film Certification Board 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 120
K C Ramachandran v State of Kerala & Connected Matters 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 121
Lini v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 122
Arifa PK v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 123
Kuttiyali v State of Kerala & Connected Matters 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 124
Bethsaida Hermitage & Tourism (P) Ltd Versus State Tax Officer 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 125
T.D.Sreejakumari v Union Bank Of India 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 126
The State of Kerala & ors. v. K Aravindakshan Pillai 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 127
Johny Kunnumpurath House V State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 128
XXX v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 129
Greeshma @ Sreekutty v. The Deputy Superintendent of Police and ors.2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 130
KK Krishnan v. State of Kerala & ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 131
MP Chothy v. Anilkumar & anr. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 132
K Mohandas v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 133
State of Kerala v Sudheer Kumar 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 134
State of Kerala v. P Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 135
Meenakshi and ors. v. P Soman Nadar and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 136
Vazhuthacaud R.Narendran Nair v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 137
State of Kerala v Kool Foam Pvt Ltd. & Connected Cases 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 138
Swapna Prabha Suresh v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 139
Ramseena S v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 140
Vishnunarayanan v. The Secretary & Connected Cases 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 141
Pradeep B v. The District Drug Disposal Committee and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 142
Vishnunaryanan v The Secretary & Connected Cases 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 143
National Cadet Corps v Hina Haneefa @ Muhammed Ashif Ali N 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 144
Fr Edwin Pigarez V State Of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 145
Ahammedkutty Bran v Sukumaran 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 146
B. v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 147
Manuja Mythri v Advocate T K Ajan 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 148
Dr.Navaneeth K.Unni v State Represented By Public Prosecutor 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 149
State of Kerala v. Kuniyil Shanoob and ors 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 150
Manoj v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 151
Firos C.A. Versus State Of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 152
Johny Padikala V P C Hassan 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 153
Binoy Kodiyeri v. The Assistant Commissioner 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 154
Vaisakh v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 155
Bipin Sunny v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 156
Shameera S v Secretary To Government 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 157
The Commissioner V Nithya R Warriar 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 158
T M Irshad v State of Kerala & Connected Case 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 159
Darsana v Sunil 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 160
Ashish AS v. Union of India and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 161
Khalid v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 162
Greeshma Viji v. Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kottayam 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 163
Jayakumar and ors. v. Union of India 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 164
Isahack v. Mini and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 165
Sreejith M B V State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 166
Gokul Raj v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 167
Sebastian Jacob v The Transport Commissioner 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 168
Shamnad N and ors. v. The Corporation of Thrissur Through Secretary and anr. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 169
Dr. M. Ganeshkumar v. State of Kerala and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 170
Mary Mohan Chacko v. Inspector General 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 171
Satheeshkumar @ Kari Satheesh v CBI 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 172
P V Nandakumar v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 173
NATAK v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 174
Stephen v. State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 175
Ajmal K V v Union Bank of India & Connected Case 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 176
Rahiya v. Jasna and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 177
Suhaib @ Kullappi Kakka v. State of Kerala and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 178
Dr.Ruwise E.A V The Principal Govt. Medical College 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 179
Navas PK v. State of Kerala and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 180
XXX v. XXX 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 181
Santhosh @ Chandu v State 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 182
Sudha V Mohan v The Authorized Officer, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 184
Jomet and ors. v. State of Kerala and anr., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 185
Dr. Laxmy Rajmohan and ors. v. State of Kerala and ors., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 186
Anilkumar V State Of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 187
N Prakash v P Jayarajan and Anr., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 188
Gware Margret Sebina v Union Of India, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 189
XXX v Union of India, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 190
The Principal & Others v Dr. Ruwise E A & Others, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 191
MD. Kamirul Islam v CBI, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 192
Vineeth V V v Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd., 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 193
Case Title: Muhammed C K Versus Assistant Commissioner Of Income Tax, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 194
Rajachandrasekharan @ Babu v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 195
Dr. Radhika Kapahtia v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 196
Rajesh v. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Fort Kochi and ors, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 197
PG Manu v. State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 198
Renjith Kumar V K v State Of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 199
YYY v State of Kerala, 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 200
K Venugopal Nair v Manager, Canara Bank 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 201
Dr Abdul Rasheed V State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 202
University of Calicut v Ameen Rashid K P 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 203
Dr. MV Narayanan v. The Chancellor, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 204
Sheeba C K v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 205
Binu @ Kari Binu V State of Kerala & Connected Cases 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 206
Rajini and anr. v. Seetha and ors. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 207
P Sreenivasan v Babu Raj & Connected Case 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 208
Vimalakumari M K v State of Kerala 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 209
Rkec Projects Limited Vs The Cochin Port Trust, The Office Of Chief Engineer And Another. 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 210
Judgements/orders
Case Title: Union of India & Ors. v. P.K. Santhosh Kumar
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 1
The Kerala High Court held that an employee without the requisite qualifications for Bosun (Certified) cannot claim promotion to the said post, and that ad hoc service rendered by such employee shall not qualify for fiancial upgradations under the Assured Career Progression ('ACP'), and the Modified Assured Career Progression ('MACP') Schemes.
"...we specifically note that the ACP Scheme itself stipulates that the employee must fulfil normal promotional norms. In such circumstances, without fulfilling the educational qualifications prescribed for the post of Bosun (Certified), the applicant is not entitled to claim promotion to the post of Bosun (certified)" the Division Bench comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen observed.
Case Title: P C Najeeb v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 2
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that notary applications of advocates cannot be summarily rejected under Rule 8(1)(c) of the Notaries Rules, 1956 without giving germane and valid reasons.
Justice Devan Ramachandran held that notary applications cannot be rejected summarily stating that the number of applicants was higher than the number of vacancies.
“Even when the Government has the right to reject an application under Rule 8(1)(c), it has to be done for germane and legal reasons. The factum of the number of applicants being much higher than the vacancies, cannot be the sole reason to summarily reject it, except if it is established that there are others, who are found to be more eligible in the process. (See for support – Abdul Kareem M.T.P. v. State of Kerala [2023 (1) KHC 666]).”
Case Title: George Mathew v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 3
The Kerala High Court clarified the position on inter se exchange regarding vacancies in quota reserved for persons with disabilities.
The single judge bench reiterated that if any vacancy reserved for a particular category of benchmark disability cannot be filled due to the unavailability of a suitable candidate with that specific benchmark disability or for any other valid reason, such a vacancy must be carried forward as a 'backlog reserved vacancy' to the subsequent recruitment year.
Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan added that the 'backlog reserved vacancy' should be treated as reserved for the category of Disability as it was originally reserved in the initial year of recruitment. However, if a suitable candidate with that benchmark disability is still unavailable in the subsequent year, the vacancy may be filled through interchange among the categories of benchmark disabilities designated for reservation.
Case title: XXX v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 4
The Kerala High Court has refused permission to medically terminate the pregnancy of a 12-year-old minor girl who was allegedly in an incestual relationship with her minor brother. It held that medical termination of pregnancy was not an option as the foetus had already reached 34 weeks of gestation and was now fully developed.
Justice Devan Ramachandran has directed the minor girl to be in the custody and care of the petitioners/parents. The Court has also directed the competent authorities and parents to ensure that the brother against whom allegations were made was not allowed anywhere near the girl.
Case Title: Ranjith Kumar K.V. & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 5
The Kerala High Court upheld the decision taken by the State Government in filling the vacancies to the post of Overseer/Draftsman (Mechanical Grade-II) as per the unamended Special Rules applicable in the Water Resources Department ('Special Rules'), by underscoring the right of the Government in deciding the applicable rules governing promotion.
"...no employee has a vested right for consideration for promotion. The right of employees for promotion is based on extant rule as on the date of consideration for promotion. The Government has every right to take a decision as to the applicability of the rule which would govern the promotion. If the Government takes a conscious decision that the vacancies which arose prior to the amended rules will have to be filled in accordance with the unamended rules, the Court cannot sit on judicial review to overturn the wisdom of the Government," the Division Bench comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen observed in this regard.
Case title: X v Y
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 6
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that subjecting a wife to sexual perversions against her will and consent would amount to physical and mental cruelty. It also clarified that perceptions of people vary on sexual perversion and if consenting adults engage in sexual acts out of their free will and consent, it would be their choice and the Courts would not intervene.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Amit Rawal and Justice C S Sudha observed thus:
“When two consenting adults engage in coitus in the privacy of their bedroom, it is their choice as to how and in what manner they should act. But if one of the party objects to the conduct or acts of the other party on the ground that it is against normal course of human conduct or normal sexual activity, and still he/she is compelled to do the same, then it can only be termed as cruelty both physical and mental. If the conduct and character of a party causes misery and agony to the other spouse, the said conduct would certainly be an act of cruelty to the spouse justifying the grant of divorce. Subjecting the wife to sexual perversions against her will and consent is certainly an act of mental as well as physical cruelty.”
Case Title: Thazheveettil Naushan and ors. v. Elizabeth Regive
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw Ker (7)
The Kerala High Court has clarified that a tenant cannot contest an eviction application filed by the landlord under Section 11 of the Kerala Buildings (Lease and Rent Control) Act, 1965 unless the admitted arrears of rent are cleared.
A two-judge bench of Justice PB Suresh Kumar and Justice Johnson John said the tenant has to pay or deposit with the Rent Control Court or the appellate authority, as the case may be, all arrears of rent admitted by the tenant to be due in respect of the building up to the date of payment or deposit.
Case Title: Sajithabai & Ors. v. Kerala Water Authority & Ors. and connected matter
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 8
The Kerala High Court has laid down that an employee who had chosen to be promoted under the Diploma qualification Quota would be ineligible for further promotion under the Degree Quota.
Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. was thus of the considered opinion that the inclusion of such persons in the Seniority List would be illegal.
"Respondents 1 to 4 earned their Engineering Degrees while working as Draftsmen. Therefore, they could invoke the Note to Rule 2 of Ext.P4 Special Rules, seeking direct recruitment as Assistant Engineers in the 6% quota reserved for them or promotion under the Diploma quota. However, for obvious reasons, they chose promotion under the Diploma quota and are thus ineligible for further promotion to Assistant Executive Engineer under the Degree quota, as per the governing rules," the Court observed.
Case Title: Sameerali v. Muhammed
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw Ker (9)
The Kerala High Court clarified that “mere receipt of rent by the landlord, after receipt of quit notice by the tenant, would not be tantamount to waiver of the quit notice, contemplated under Section 113 of the Transfer of Property Act.”
Section 113 of the Transfer of Property Act says a quit notice is waived with the tenant's consent, by any act of the landlord showing an intention to treat the lease as subsisting.
As such, Justice Badharudeen clarified that “in view of the settled law, the status of the defendant herein is that of a tenant at sufferance…(and) the quit notice would not waive, and the status of the tenant is a `tenant at sufferance' and not beyond that”.
Therefore, the court stated that the defendant was bound to vacate the building. Additionally, the court held that “mere receipt of rent by the landlord, after receipt of quit notice by the tenant, would not be tantamount to waiver of the quit notice, contemplated under Section 113 of the T.P Act”.
Case title: Gangadharan v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 10
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that an Abkari Officer already appointed under the Abkari Act will not lose his authority to act as an Abkari Officer upon redeployment to a Special Squad.
Justice Sophy Thomas however added that upon redeployment, the officer is expected to act within the bounds defined for the squad.
The Special Squad in this case was constituted to prevent and detect offences under the Abkari Act and the NDPS Act which were rampantly affecting the younger generations in the society.
“When an Abkari Officer already notified under Section 4 of the Abkari Act as per SRO 234/67 is redeployed to a Special Squad, he need not be again notified as an Abkari Officer to perform the duties and functions as a member of the Special Squad, because by such redeployment, he will not lose his authority as an Abkari Officer. But when he is redeployed to the Special Squad, he has to act within the parameters of the duties and functions, assigned to the Squad, and he cannot cross the borders.”
Appellate Court May Reject, Not Dismiss An Appeal For Non-Payment Of Court Fee: Kerala High Court
Case Title: Baby v. Chandramathy
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw Ker (11)
The Kerala High Court has held that an appellate court may only reject and not dismiss an appeal for non-payment of court fee by the party.
A single judge bench of Justice Badharudeen was dealing with a second appeal, filed as a consequence of first appellate court's order dismissing the appeal as “balance court fee not paid".
The Court said, "the proper procedure to strike down an appeal due to failure on the part of the appellant to pay balance court fee is rejection of the appeal and the said rejection of appeal is decree, as defined under Section 2(2) of CPC."
Assessee Can't Indefinitely Seek Time In Response To SCN: Kerala High Court
Case Title: Shaju Pachelil Pathrose Versus Additional/Joint/Deputy/Assistant Commissioner Of Income Tax
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 12
The Kerala High Court has held that the assessee cannot indefinitely seek time in response to a show cause notice.
The bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh has observed that petitioners cannot go on asking for a time one after another in response to the show cause notice issued one after another. There is no violation of the principles of natural justice.
Case Title: Mathew Kunju Mathew v. K.V. Kuriakose & Anr. and connected matters
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 13
The Kerala High Court held that when a competent civil court finds that a dishonoured cheque, which was the subject matter for initiation of criminal proceedings under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act ('NI Act') was not supported by valid consideration, the conviction and sentence of the criminal court for the offence would not legally sustain.
"The presumption under Sections 118 ('Presumptions as to negotiable instruments') and 139 ('Presumption in favour of holder') of the NI Act is of no avail, when the cheques are proved to be not issued towards discharge of any legally enforceable debt," Justice Sophy Thomas observed.
Case title: A H Sheriff v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 14
The Kerala High Court stated that persons have no vested right to seek 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) for granting of lease for mining minerals. It held that in the absence of vested rights, the application seeking NOC had to be considered based on the existing rules.
In this case, the application for NOC was filed in 2019 and it was rejected after a delay of four years by relying upon 2021 guidelines issued by the government. The Court held that even though the application was pending and there was a delay, it could not grant NOC without considering the guidelines in the absence of any express provisions.
By relying upon the Apex Court decisions in State of Tamil Nadu v. M/s. Hind Stone and Others (1981) and State of Rajasthan and Others v. Sharwan Kumar Kumawat (2023), Justice Murali Purushothaman dismissed the plea.
Case Title: Ashiya Ummal v. S.N. Sathy & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 15
The Kerala High Court laid down that a person who did not sign a compromise which led to passing of a compromise decree, but subsequently acted upon the same, could not thereafter avoid the decree merely on the ground that he/she had not put his/her signature on it.
"In law, nobody is allowed to approbate and reprobate. To put it differently, a person, who enjoys the benefit of a compromise, he did not sign, after filing an affidavit acting upon the same and obtained the money in terms of the compromise, cannot deviate from the said compromise on the ground that he or she did not sign the same after acting upon the same," the Single Judge Bench of Justice A. Badharudeen observed.
Case Title: Prabhulla P v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw Ker (16)
The Kerala High Court has delivered a significant interpretation surrounding preventive detention under Section 12 of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007 and the 2014 amendment which expanded the maximum period of detention.
Section 12, prior to the amendment stipulated the maximum period of detention as 6 months. With the 2014 Amendment, the 'first detention' can last a maximum period of 6 months but the 'subsequent detention' can be of upto one year.
A division bench of Justices Muhammed Mustaque and Shoba Annamma Eapen has now clarified that if a preventive detention order was passed prior to the 2014 Amendment, such an order will not constitute 'first detention'. In other words, detention order passed prior to 31.12.2014, cannot be taken into account for passing a subsequent detention order for a maximum period of one year.
Case title: XXX v State of Kerala
Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Ker) 17
The Kerala High Court granted emergency leave to a murder convict for attending his daughter's wedding. It also stated that the parties being Muslim, it was essential for the father to attend the daughter's wedding.
While granting emergency leave, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that on earlier occasions, when the petitioner's father was given emergency leave or ordinary leave, he had never overstayed and instead returned without any default.
Case title: Sreekumar v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 18
The Kerala High Court yesterday ordered the acquittal of a husband who was accused of causing the suicidal death of his wife since the prosecution was unable to prove that suicide was committed due to cruelty or harassment.
The Court acquitted the husband by giving him the benefit of reasonable doubt and made a significant observation that every type of harassment or cruelty would not establish an offence of cruelty under Section 498A of IPC.
While setting aside the conviction, Justice Johnson John stated that minor quarrels between spouses due to differences of opinion or sporadic instances of ill-treatment would not establish an offence of cruelty under Section 498A IPC.
Case Title: XX v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 19
The Kerala High Court has issued a slew of directions to the State authorities regarding the handling of minor victims of sexual abuse, the provision of treatment including psycho therapy for prisoners accused of committing offences under the POCSO Act, and sex therapy for the victims/survivors of sexual assault.
The Single Judge Bench of Justice Gopinath P. issued the directions taking note of the report by the Project Co-Ordinator of the Victim Rights Centre (VRC) Advocate A. Parvathi Menon, whose intervention had been sought by the Court in a bail plea by a 19 year old alleged to have sexually abused his minor sister.
[Minor Mineral Rules] Traditional Pottery Artisans Don't Need NOC For Extracting Ordinary Clay Upto 50 Tonnes In A Year: Kerala High Court
Case title: Kaliman Thozhilali Kshema Vyavasaya Sahakarana Sangam Ltd. v District Geologist
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 20
The Kerala High Court has recently made it clear that traditional artisans doing clay and pottery works cannot be insisted upon to produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) for extraction of ordinary clay up to 50 tonnes in a calendar year.
On perusing Rule 106 (5) of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2015, Justice Murali Purushothaman observed that traditional artisans can be granted special transit passes for extraction of ordinary clay up to 50 tonnes on the production of their identity cards.
Case title: Angels Nair v Union of India
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 21
The Kerala High Court made it clear that forest officials have to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 while handling wild animals straying in human habitats.
The SOP provides the suggested field actions to be followed by forest officials in dealing with wild carnivores like the tiger and leopard.
Case title: Suresh Gopi V State Of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 22
The Kerala High Court allowed the anticipatory bail application moved by actor and politician Suresh Gopi, in connection with a case for alleged misbehaviour with a female reporter in front of the public and media.
A crime was registered against him under Section 354 IPC (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of women) and Section 119 (punishment for atrocities against women) of the Kerala Police Act.
Case Title: Premakumari R. v. O.K. Sivasankara Pillai & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 23
The Kerala High Court categorically laid down that allegations of fraud, undue influence and coercion cannot be made in a 'sweeping manner' merely on the ground of suspicion or conjecture, to dispute the genuineness of a Will.
It thus underscored that suspicion regarding an individual factor could not act as a circumstance to doubt the genuineness of a Will.
Case title: Edwin Andrew Minihan v Union of India
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 24
The Kerala High Court has permitted an Irish citizen to travel back to his home country to visit his ill mother despite the contention that a Special Leave Petition (SLP) would be preferred against his honourable acquittal.
The petitioner, an Irish citizen whose acquittal by Magistrate Court was confirmed by the High Court had sought liberty to go back to his country to visit his ill mother.
Justice Devan Ramachandran observed that the Irish citizen cannot be detained in India for the sole reason that the authorities intend to prefer an SLP before the Apex Court against his honourable acquittal.
Case Title: Sabu George & Ors. v. James George & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 25
The Kerala High Court held that an order passed by a Subordinate Judge's Court acting as a Commercial Court under a Government notification, would be appealable only before the concerned Commercial Appellate Court as per Section 13 of the Commercial Courts Act, and not before the High Court, as per the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 ('Act, 1996).
The Court in this case was seized of an appeal against an order passed by the Subordinate Court under Section 9 of the Act, 1996. Section 9 of the Act states interim measures to be taken by the Court
Case title: Jins Francis V State Of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 26
The Kerala High Court dismissed the bail application filed by a 37-year-old man accused of assaulting a female doctor and staff nurses who examined and treated him at the hospital.
A crime was registered against him under Sections 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) IPC and Section 4 of the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, 2012
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 27
Case title: Rohith Giri v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court held that the writ jurisdiction of the Court under Article 226 cannot be invoked seeking blanket general directions against the police for the prevention of registration of crimes.
“Jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India cannot be invoked to issue blanket directions against registration of a crime. Time and again, the Supreme Court as well as this Court have deprecated the practice of issuing general directions, especially with respect to investigation and registration of FIRs. Each FIR will have to be appreciated on the basis of the allegations therein” , stated Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 28
Case title: XXX v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court upheld the order passed by a single judge in the writ petition stating that a Magistrate cannot be prosecuted under 228-A IPC on an inadvertent omission to anonymize the name and details of the victims.
Dismissing the writ appeal, the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A.J. Desai and V.G. Arun observed that an inadvertent mistake on the part of the Magistrate cannot lead to prosecution under Section 228A IPC.
Case Title: Jaseer SM v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 29
In a judgement denying bail to two accused under the NDPS Act, the Kerala High Court clarified that “Section 37 of the NDPS Act does not lay down any stipulation that the accused in entitled to be released on bail if the trial does not commence within a particular period and additionally, the accused has to satisfy the twin conditions under Section 37 in addition to Section 439 of the Code to be released on bail.”
Case title: Central Board Of Trustees v Bake N Joy Hot Bakery
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 30
The Kerala High Court has upheld the order of a Central Government Industrial Tribunal-Cum-Labour Court (Tribunal) which reduced the amount of damages from 100% to 50% stating that Section 14-B of the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act (EPF) Act does not mandatorily prescribe that 100% amount of damages has to be imposed as penalty.
Case title: Narayanankutty K v Cochin Devaswom Board
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 31
The Kerala High Court directed the Cochin Devaswom Board to file a Devsawom Board Appeal (DBA) seeking specific directions regarding solid waste management in connection with the disposal of plastic, biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste that will be generated during the Thrissur Pooram in 2024
Case Title: Hemalatha S. Nair v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 32
The Kerala High Court has reiterated that a subsequent overruling judgment cannot disturb the conclusiveness of an inter parte order that has attained finality.
Justice K. Babu made the above observation in a writ petition filed by the complainant seeking further investigation of her case. Significant to note that her application for further investigation was dismissed by the Magistrate in 2014 and the revision petition against it was also dismissed by the High Court in 2018. At the time, Supreme Court's decision in Amrutbhai Shambhubhai Patel v. Sumanbhai Kantibhai Patel & Ors. (2017) held field as per which, after Magistrate takes cognizance of the offences, a further investigation can be done only on application of the Investigating Officer.
Case title: State of Kerala v Dr Praveen Kumar T K
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 33
The Kerala High Court considered the maintainability of a second appeal filed under the Commercial Courts Act. The issue before the Court was, “whether second appeal is provided from the appellate decree and judgment passed by a Commercial Appellate Court?”
Justice A. Badharudeen, dismissing the second appeal as not maintainable observed thus:
“..If so, Commercial Courts Act does not provide second appeal. Therefore, it has to be held that the present second appeal filed, challenging the decree and judgment of the Commercial Appellate Court, is not maintainable and the same deserves dismissal.”
Kerala High Court Grants Bail To Students Accused Of Obstructing Governor Arif Khan's Convoy
Case Title: Yadhu Krishnan and ors. v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 34
The Kerala High Court has granted bail to 7 students who were accused of obstructing Governor Arif Khan's convoy.
A single judge bench of Justice CS Dias heard the matter. The incident occurred on December 11th, 2023, when the governor's convoy was impeded in Palayam by the accused who disobeyed orders of the police, and detained the Governor whilst shouting slogans, thereby causing a loss of Rs. 76, 357/- to the public exchequer.
Case Title: C Lajith and Ors. v. State of Kerala and ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 35
In a judgment regarding the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR), the Kerala High Court directed the state to “actively consider the laying down of a procedure for hearing as contemplated in Section 15 of the Act, which stipulates 60 days from the date of publication of the preliminary inspection under Section 11, for submission of objections.
The court maintained that the 2013 Act provides for a “humane, participative, informed, and transparent process" for land acquisition, as the preamble to the new Act suggested.
Case Title: Manoj TK v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 36
In a decision by the Kerala High Court, a single judge bench of Justice Gopinath clarified that “evidence of witnesses can be recorded in the presence of the counsel for the accused even in situations where the court grants exemption from personal appearance to the accused even of a day”.
Case Title: Kaleshkumar KK v. State of Kerala & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 37
In a recent decision by the Kerala High Court, a single judge bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas noted that “the term 'residential area designated as per local laws' cannot be interpreted to mean a 'residential house'.
The Court was seized of pleas challenging the permission granted for establishing a Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. petroleum retail outlet, which were dismissed for want of merit.
Case Title: Sangha Erectors Pvt. Ltd. v. Laxmi Cranes and Trailers Pvt. Ltd.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 38
In a significant judgment, the Kerala High Court held that a unilateral affirmation by a party to a contract, without being specifically accepted by the other party, doesn't confer exclusive jurisdiction, since the ouster of jurisdiction of courts cannot be lightly assumed or presumed.
The Single Judge Bench of Justice V.G. Arun found that a unilateral affirmation by one of the parties to the contract, without the same being specifically accepted by the other party, will not confer exclusive jurisdiction on any court by overlooking the conferment of jurisdiction as stipulated in Section 20(c) of the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC).
Case Title: Thapas Berman v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 39
The Kerala High Court held that variations in the evidence only due to normal errors of observation and memory due to the lapse of time will always be there and the same cannot be accepted as material discrepancies touching the core of the case.
A division bench of Justice P B Suresh Kumar and Justice Johnson John was hearing the case.
Case Title: M/S. Professional Copier Services India (Pvt) Ltd Versus State Of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 40
The Kerala High Court has quashed the penalty under the Kerala Value Added Tax (KVAT) Act and held that re-sellers of machines have not wilfully classified machines under the wrong head and have adopted the same classification as the seller.
The bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh has observed that penalty proceedings have to be initiated when there is a willful or contumacious act on the part of the assessee to evade payment of the correct tax. The petitioners had reason to adopt the classification as 'Digital Multifunctional Devices', as they being re-sellers could not have classified the machines to a different classification.
Case title: XXX v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 41
The Kerala High Court quashed a sexual assault and rape complaint filed by a minor daughter under various provisions of the IPC & POCSO Act against her father on finding that it was a false complaint.
The Court found that the daughter had raised false allegations against her father since he objected to her relationship with a boy.
Justice Gopinath P quashed the criminal proceedings against the father by relying upon the mother's affidavit and a report submitted by the Victim Rights Centre that it was a false complaint.
Case Title: Sabu Varghese v. Viju P. Varghese & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 42
The Kerala High Court upheld a Single Bench order that set aside the promotion of an employee due to a break in his service, after the expiry of his authorized leave, which was treated as unauthorized and non-duty for all purposes other than pension.
Perusing Fundamental Rule 17A and Central Civil Services (Pension) Rule 27, the Division Bench comprising Justice Amit Rawal and Justice C.S. Sudha, observed, "On juxtaposing of the aforementioned Rules, interruption or break in service has been clarified in Rule 27 in respect of employees who had remained absent after the expiry of authorized leave whereas Fundamental Rule 17A deals with absence out of nowhere and that absence has also been considered to be a break and interruption".
Case Title: Dr. Annie Mareena Issac V Employees State Insurance Corporation
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 43
The Kerala High Court has asked employers to exhibit open-mindedness and empathy when issuing transfer orders to 'working women'.
A Division Bench comprising Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen observed that working women play major roles in taking care of their children and aged parents and thus, they may find it difficult to maintain a work-life balance in an unfamiliar environment.
Case Title: XXX & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Connected case
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 44
The Kerala High Court directed the Inspector General of Registration, to consider the validity of the registration of an NGO 'Youth Enrichment Society' accused of making remarks with the intent to cause harm against the transgender community
The plea was before a bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran. The petitioners had filed the writ petition seeking cancellation of registration of the 6th respondent NGO for making remarks against the transgender community with the intent to cause them harm.
Case title: Lekshmi M V Sudhamony Amma
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 45
The Kerala High Court has referred the decision of a single judge in Natarajan T.K. v. T.K.Raman Achari (2023) for the consideration of a Division Bench in which it was held that Courts in Kerala have no jurisdiction for granting and revoking probates or letters of administration unless there is a notification issued by the State Government.
Justice Sathish Ninan by relying upon Sections 57 and 264 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 observed that no notification was needed for granting and revoking probates or letters of administration when the wills and codicils were made on or after 01.01.1927 by a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain.
Case Title: Anwer Hussain T v. Union Territory of Lakshadweep
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 46
In a matter regarding POCSO allegations against a soldier under Sections 12, 11(iv), 18, 6 and 5b(iv) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, the Kerala High Court has observed that “allegations [against a soldier] has to be viewed more seriously. He is supposed to guard the nation, and the dignity and integrity of its citizens.”
A single bench of Justice Sophy Thomas accordingly denied the soldier/petitioner's bail plea.
Case title: Neyan Veettil Behsana V Local Registrar For Births And Deaths & Marriages
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 47
The Kerala High Court has observed that there is a lacuna in the Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules, 2008 since it does not provide a provision to register divorce when divorce was obtained under personal law.
A divorced Muslim woman had approached the Court seeking to 'record the fact of divorce' in the Marriage Register after her marriage was dissolved on pronouncing Talaq.
Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan observed that the authority which has the power to register the marriage will also have the authority to record the fact of divorce. It further observed that a divorced wife who has registered marriage under the 2008 Rules on obtaining a divorce under personal law shall not be insisted for obtaining an order from the Court.
Case Title: K Sekharan v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 48
The Kerala High Court has clarified that no quarrying activities can be done on lands assigned under the Kerala Land Assignment Act.
A single bench of Justice Viju Abraham made these observations in a plea challenging quarrying activities near Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary undertaken by the respondent.
Case title: Sasidharan A v Vijayan Unnithan
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 49
The Kerala High Court has upheld the acquittal order issued by the Trial Court under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act on finding that there was no evidence to prove that the cheque was dishonoured for want of sufficient funds.
Justice P.G. Ajithkumar observed that the Appellate Court will not interfere with the order of the Trial Court if it has been reasonably formed.
Case title: Renjith Raj v State, Represented By CI of Police
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 50
The Kerala High Court has held that when trial courts frame charges in deaths involving motor vehicle accidents, they should decide whether an alternative charge for an offence under Section 304A IPC is also to be added in addition to the charge under Section 304 IPC.
Justice P.G. Ajithkumar relying upon Apex Court decisions, stated that no prejudice was caused to the appellant and that a mere defect in the language, narration or form of charges would not render the conviction unsustainable.
Furthermore, Justice Ajithkumar stated that when the Courts were framing charges in deaths involving motor vehicle accidents, it should decide whether an alternative charge for an offence under Section 304A IPC is also to be added in addition to the charge under Section 304 IPC.
Case title: Rajeswari v Omana Amma
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 51
The Kerala High Court stated that when proof of will has to be given, the Court has to take a separate and lenient consideration in examining a witness immediately by invoking the jurisdiction under Order 18 Rule 16 of CPC, which provides the power to examine the witness immediately.
“….this Court is of the opinion that the petition under Order XVIII, Rule 16 C.P.C, in the context of proof of a 'Will', will have to receive a separate and lenient consideration, in as much as, it is imperative, going by Section 68 of the Evidence Act, as also, by Section 63 of the Indian Succession Act, to examine at least one of the attesting witnesses, in proof of the 'Will'”, Stated Justice C Jayachandran.
Case Title: Azharudheen v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 52
In a matter before the Kerala High Court, a single judge bench of Justice CS Dias held that an oral application made by the petitioner, who was accused under the NDPS Act ("Act") would be sufficient to release him on statutory bail due to the failure of the Investigation Officer to file the final report on time.
If Land Acquired For Public Purpose By Paying Compensation, Delay In Utilisation Doesn't Entitle Owner To Seek Re-Conveyance: Kerala High Court
Case title: Sivaprakashan v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 53
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that once a land is acquired by the State under the Land Acquisition Act for public purpose and compensation is paid, the landowner has no right to seek re-conveyance of the property citing delay in utilisation of such land.
Justice P V Kunhikrishnan observed,“Admittedly, the land is going to be used for the purpose for which it is acquired. Simply because there is a delay in using the land for the purpose for which it is acquired, the acquisition proceedings can not be set aside. In such a situation, the refusal to reconvey the property is not illegal.”
Case Title: T. Rema & Ors. v. AK Radhamani & Anr.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 54
The Kerala High Court observed that while it is well settled that continuous cohabitation for several years may raise the presumption of marriage, it will not acquire the character of a valid marriage, if it is during the subsistence of another marriage by either party.
The matter came up before the division bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice C Pratheep Kumar.
Case title: Mohammed Manath Ibrahim v Thrikkakara Municipality
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 55
The Kerala High Court has held that the municipality has the primary responsibility to deal with the municipal waste even if it was illegally dumped on private property.
“It is the primary duty of the Municipality to deal with municipal waste. The fact that such municipal waste has been illegally dumped in private property (here the property of the Kochi Metro) cannot absolve the Municipality from the liability of removing the waste for proper treatment as is done in the case of other municipal waste being collected and processed by the Municipality," stated Justice Gopinath P.
Special Marriage Act | Even Parties To A Void Marriage Can Approach Family Court For Redressal Of Grievances: Kerala High Court
Case title: Joseph A U v Princy P J
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 56
The Kerala High Court on interpreting the provisions of the Family Courts Act, 1984 and Special Marriage Act, 1954 observed that a dispute between parties to a void marriage could be determined by a Family Court.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice C.Pratheep Kumar observed that even parties to a void marriage can approach the Family Court for the redressal of their grievances.
“Therefore, from a conjoined reading of Section 24 (1)(i) of Special Marriage Act and Explanation (a) to Section 7(1) of the Family Courts Act, it is evident that a marriage which is void, as defined under Section 24 of the Special Marriage Act, will remain valid for all practical purposes, unless it is annulled in a suit or proceedings before the Family Court. In other words, from the above provisions, it can also be safely concluded that even the parties to a void marriage can approach the Family Court for redressing their grievance and as such this point is liable to be answered in the negative.”
Case title: C. Surendranath v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 57
The Kerala High Court has held that 'dishonest intention' is the crux for constituting an offence under Section 13 (1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for proving criminal misconduct by public servants.
“Dishonest intention is sine qua non to attract the offence punishable under Section 13(1)(d) of the Act. Mere conduct and action of the accused contrary to rules and departmental norms would not amount to criminal misconduct by a public servant”, stated Justice K Babu.
Kerala High Court Permits Murder Convict To Join LLB Course Despite Objection By College
Case title: Karuvangadan Mukthar @ Muthu v The Superintendent
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 58
The Kerala High Court has permitted a murder convict to pursue a three-year LLB Course in online mode, despite objections from the college where he has secured a seat. It stated that education would enable the convict to reform and rehabilitate back into society.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the stance taken by the college in opposing the admission of a convict to pursue his education would not be tolerated.
“The education of a convict can bring hope and aspirations for a better life in the future. Thus, when the prisoner expresses his willingness to undergo a course of study and has even gained admission after a competitive examination, the objection raised by the college cannot be countenanced and on the other hand, is to be deprecated.”
Case title: Laila Bhagaval Singh v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 59
The Kerala High Court has dismissed the bail application moved by Laila Bhagawal Singh, one of the accused in the Human Sacrifice Case.
The case pertains to the abduction, murder, and burial of two women lottery vendors as part of a ritualistic sacrifice by the three accused persons, namely, Muhammed Shafi alias Rasheed, Bhagaval Singh and his wife Laila.
Justice Sophy Thomas while dismissing the bail plea stated that the crime has shattered the conscience of the society. It also stated that if the allegations against the accused Laila prove to be true, it would be a blow to the rich cultural heritage and literacy rate of God's Own Country, Kerala.
Case Title: PP Farooque & anr. v. Deputy Superintendent of Police
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 60
In an revisional appeal against a previous order, the court dismissed it by stating that “the revisional power of the court is not to be equated with that of an appeal. Unless the finding of the court, whose decision is sought to be revised, is shown to be perverse or untenable in law...the courts may not interfere with the decision in exercise of their revisional jurisdiction”
Justice K Babu stated this in a revision plea by the petitioners/accused who faced charges under Section 13 (criminal misconduct by public servant) of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 120B (punishment of criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.
Case title: SJ v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 61
In a matter where a headmistress was arrested under SC/ST Act for cutting tribal student's hair, Justice K Babu stated that there was no mens rea established against the appellant-headmistress and that she was only trying to enforce disciplinary control over the victim and at most "exceeded in the corporal punishment". Further, it stated that the alleged acts would not attract offences under the SC/ST (PoA) Act.
He stated that “On an analysis of the facts placed before this Court, I am of the view that the mens rea of the appellant in the commission of the alleged acts is doubtful. At the most, it could be seen that the appellant being a school teacher having disciplinary control over the victim exceeded in the corporal punishment on the victim. Therefore, I am of the view that there is no prima facie material to attract the offences under the SC/ST (PoA) Act.”
Case title: E Pradeeep Kumar IFS v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 62
Justice K Babu observed that in case of obtainment under Section 7 of the PC Act, a public servant makes a demand and the bribe giver on accepting the demand offers to pay illegal gratification.
“ To attract the offence under Section 7(a) the prosecution has to establish that the public servant obtained or accepted or attempted to obtain from any person an undue advantage. In order to attract the offence under Section 7(a), the prosecution has to establish that the petitioner voluntarily accepted money, knowing it to be bribe. If there is an offer to pay by the bribe giver without there being any demand from the public servant and the latter simply accepts the offer and receives the illegal gratification, it is definitely a case of acceptance as per Section 7 of the Act, even in the absence of prior demand. On the other hand, if the public servant makes a demand and the bribe giver accepts the demand and tenders the demanded gratification, which in turn is received by the public servant, it is a case of obtainment.”
The Court further stated that in case of acceptance, the prosecution need not prove demand but in the case of obtainment, the prosecution has to prove prior demand.
Section 100 CPC | Second Appeal Doesn't Lie On Equitable Grounds: Kerala High Court
Case title: Poyil Salim V Thazhe Kandoth Mariyam
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 63
Justice A. Badharudeen observed that the term 'substantial' means having substance, essential, real, of sound worth, important or considerable. It stated that 'substantial question of law' for preferring a second appeal shall not necessarily be a substantial question of law of general importance.
“It is to be understood as something in contradistinction with – technical, of no substance or consequence, or academic merely. However, it is clear that the legislature has chosen not to qualify the scope of “substantial question of law” by suffixing the words “of general importance” as has been done in many other provisions such as S.109 of the Code or Art.133(1)(a) of the Constitution. The substantial question of law on which a second appeal shall be heard need not necessarily be a substantial question of law of general importance. As such, second appeal cannot be decided on equitable grounds and the conditions mentioned in Section 100 read with Order XLII Rule 2 of the C.P.C. must be complied to admit and maintain a second appeal.”
Kerala High Court Quashes Preventive Detention Of 21-Yr-Old, Appoints Advocate As His 'Mentor'
Case title: Sreejith R v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 64
The Kerala High Court released a 21-year old boy, who was implicated in seven crimes for allegedly causing obstruction to police officer in performing official duties and under the NDPS Act, from detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen, considering the age of the detenu, also appointed an Advocate as his 'Mentor'.
Case Title: Davood v. State of Kerala & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 65
A passport cannot be seized or retained by the investigating agencies in the absence of any crime committed or suspected to have been committed with the said document, the Kerala High Court has held.
A single bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas thus allowed the petition moved by an accused booked under the NDPS Act, seeking release of his passport, his mobile phone and Bahraini identity card which was seized by the Intelligence Officer of NCB. It observed,
"The passport of an individual is an important document and is issued under the provisions of the Passports Act, 1967. In the absence of any crime committed or suspected to have been committed with the said document, a passport cannot be seized or retained by the investigating agencies. The seizure of a document, if it can be treated as a property, has to be under section 102 of the Cr.P.C and the conditions stipulated therein ought to be satisfied. A document is generally subjected to impounding under section 104 Cr.P.C and this can only be done by the Court."
The bench further clarified that a passport cannot be impounded even by the Court despite Section 104 of CrPC, as the said provision will enable the court to impound any document or thing, other than a passport. Power to impound the passport is only with the Passport Authority under section 10(3) of the Passports Act, 1967, it held.
Case title: Suresh Kumar @ Sarath Nair v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 66
The Kerala High Court yesterday granted bail to the appellant who was in judicial custody for allegedly making abusive and casteist remarks against the Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes and Devaswom, K. Radhakrishnan in Facebook in connection with his visit to Sabarimala Ayyapa Temple.
The crime was registered under Section 153A of IPC (promoting enmity between different groups), Section 120(o) (penalty for causing nuisance and violation of public order) of the Kerala Police Act and Section 3 (punishment for offences atrocities) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Case title: Dr M V Narayanan v Chancellor & Connected Cases
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 67
The Kerala High Court has directed the Chancellor to consider the legality and jurisdiction of the show cause notices issued to the Vice Chancellors of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, University of Calicut, Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology and Sree Narayana Open University based on the UGC Regulations and the law laid down by the Apex Court in Professor (Dr) Sreejith P.S. v. Dr Rajasree M.S. and others (2022).
The show cause notice was issued by the Chancellor requiring the Vice Chancellors to show their legal right to hold the post of Vice Chancellor and why their appointment should not be declared illegal and void ab initio.
Case title: Jhonny Alexander Duran Sola v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 68
The Kerala High Court has permitted an Advocate to collect the personal articles belonging to the Foreign National on his behalf since he was placed in a transit centre and could not move around anywhere in India and was awaiting deportation.
The foreign national approached the High Court seeking the release of his articles including documents like passport, certificate of vaccination, driving license, and currency notes which were seized at the time of arrest and were retained with the Sessions Court, Ernakulam.
Case Title: XXX v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 69
The Kerala High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by the father who was convicted by the Sessions Court for offences of sexually assaulting and raping his minor daughter.
The Division Bench comprising Justice PB Suresh Kumar and Justice Johnson John upheld the conviction stating that “merely for the reason that the family of the victim consisting of several members was residing in a small hut, it cannot be said that the occurrence as alleged by the prosecution is not possible especially in the light of the explanation offered by the victim in her evidence that the sexual assaults were committed by the accused when her mother was away for work and her siblings had gone out for playing”.
Case title: Coach India v Superintendent of Central Tax And Central Excise
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 70
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that the writ jurisdiction of the Court cannot be invoked under Article 226 of the Constitution by the petitioner, citing his inability to comply with the provisions of 'SUBKA VISHWAS' [Legacy Dispute Resolution] Scheme Rules which is a complete code in itself.
Dismissing the plea, Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh stated that the scheme was a complete code in itself which has detailed provisions. The Court observed thus:
“Once the petitioner failed to comply with the provisions of the scheme, which is a complete code in itself, his court would not like to extend the limitation for making the payment under the scheme in exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.”
Kerala High Court Permits Murder Convict To Join LLB Course Despite Objection By College
Case title: Karuvangadan Mukthar @ Muthu v The Superintendent
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 71
The Kerala High Court has permitted a murder convict to pursue a three-year LLB Course in online mode, despite objections from the college where he has secured a seat. It stated that education would enable the convict to reform and rehabilitate back into society.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the stance taken by the college in opposing the admission of a convict to pursue his education would not be tolerated.
Case title: Venugopal v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 72
The Kerala High Court recently stated that the law does not insist that separate sureties have to be produced for different cases to obtain bail.
The petitioner who is an accused in as many as 1726 crimes before different police stations in different districts of Kerala has approached the Court since he was unable to produce different sureties for bail. In the facts of the case, the Court stated that insisting on separate sureties for 1726 cases would make the concept of bail illusionary.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the law does prohibit the same surety being furnished in different cases if such surety was solvent and inspires the confidence of the Court since the purpose of sureties was only to ensure the presence of the accused during the trial.
Case Title: Shree Dhanwantari Chits India Pvt Ltd. v. Banu & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 73
The Kerala High Court has allowed the refund of additional fees paid towards the Legal Aid Benefit fund under Section 76 of the Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1949.
It said: Section 69A covers the additional court fee levied under Section 76(1) of the Act. If such refund is to be refused for the purpose of constitution of the fund, then, every other court fee levied also has a purpose, wherefore refund becomes impossible in respect of the same as well, which logic defies the mandate of Section 69A and renders it otiose. The nature and character of the additional fee levied, though for constituting the legal benefit fund, is nothing, but that of a court-fee.
A single judge bench of Justice C Jayachandran heard the matter.
Case Title: Welfare Association of Kitco Employees (Wake) & ors v. Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organization (Kitco) & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 74
In a recent decision, the Kerala High Court has held that KITCO (Kerala Industrial & Technical Consultancy Organisation) qualifies as 'State' under Article 12 of the Constitution and therefore, is amenable to writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution.
A division bench of Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice C Pratheep Kumar observed that large majority of shares of the company are held by instrumentalities of the Central Government. Even the State government has a "decisive representation" in the Board, it noted.
"It is clear from a reading of the Articles of Association and the documents produced in the writ petition and in this writ appeal that the State and Central Governments themselves specifically consider the 1st respondent [KITCO] as a Central Government company. It is also discernible that the accounts of the 1st respondent are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India treating it as a deemed Government company. It is recognised as an accredited Government agency for the purpose of public works in the State," the bench added.
Case Title: XXX v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 75
The Kerala High Court today allowed a bail petition filed by a drawing teacher accused of assaulting six of his students, stating it is doubtful that the incident took place on the same day.
In allowing the petition, Justice Sophy Thomas stated that “it is true that there is a delay of six days in making the complaint by the victim girls. Moreover, the allegation that on the same day, the petitioner sexually assaulted six girl students of the same class also seems doubtful. The petitioner is in judicial custody from December 20, 2023 and the investigation has progressed substantially. So this Court is inclined to release the petitioner on bail”.
Case Title: Arifa TK v. The District Collector & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 76
The Kerala High Court recently dismissed a petition arguing for employment assistance by a married daughter on account of her husband losing his job.
While dismissing the petition, Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that “dependency is a de facto situation, rather than be a de jure doctrine. As such, the appellant had no dependency on her father, since her husband was earning well, it is rather untenable to imagine that her dependency on her father stood 'restored' on her husband allegedly losing his job abroad.”
Case Title: Lenin Raj AK v. State of Kerala & anr.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 77
The Kerala High Court today dismissed a pre-arrest bail application by the second accused in the health department job fraud case, referring to their criminal antecedents in its order.
A single judge bench of Justice CS Dias stated that “particularly taking note of the financial transaction between the victim and the petitioner, the criminal antecedents of the petitioner and the first accused, that the investigation of the case is only at its preliminary stage, that the custodial interrogation of the petitioner is necessary and recovery is to be effected, I am of the definite view that the petitioner is not entitled to an order of pre-arrest bail”.
Case title: Jollyamma v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 78
The Kerala High Court today for the second time dismissed the bail applications filed by Jolly Joseph, the first accused in the infamous Koodathayi murders.
Justice C S Dias stated that if the allegations raised against Jolly were true, then she had committed pre-mediated, gruesome, cold-blooded murders without any contrition. It further stated that there were intelligence reports regarding public outrage and potential revolt against Jolly for committing familicide and her release would have a deleterious impact on society.
Case Title: Rahul R v. State of Kerala & Anr.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 79
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that the process for securing presence of an accused, as laid down by the Supreme Court in Satendar Kumar Antil v. CBI. is mandatory and an exception from the approach, where accused has not cooperated in the investigation, is available only after the Magistrate ascertains the factum of accused's absence independently.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas said the SC directions cannot be avoided by a mere statement in the final report that the accused had not co-operated with the investigation or had absconded.
"Even in such cases, the Magistrates are bestowed with the duty to ascertain whether the accused had intentionally kept himself aloof from the proceedings," the bench added.
Case title: Litty Thomas v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 80
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that before proceeding to frame charges against the accused, the judge has to form an opinion that there was grounds for presuming that the accused has committed the offences alleged against him. It stated that if there were no sufficient grounds, then the judge shall discharge the accused by recording specific reasons for discharge as per Section 227 CrPC. Further, it stated that if the Court was of the opinion that there were sufficient grounds, then the judge shall frame charges against the accused under Section 228 CrPC.
Case Title: Shine Kumar v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 81
The Kerala High Court has allowed an appeal where the accused had taken a plea of insanity as a defence in the case of the murder of his parents.
A division judge bench of Justice PB Suresh Kumar and Justice Johnson John allowed the appeal, stating that the “prosecution has not established the motive of the accused to cause the death of his parents. Similarly, the accused has not made any attempt to run away from the scene after causing the death of his parents”.
Case Title: Nikson v. Samkutty
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 82
The Kerala High Court recently dismissed a plea on a land dispute matter on the premise that the petitioner was yet to obtain a certified copy of the impugned order.
The court added that the parties can seek an order under Article 227 of the Constitution, directing the Execution Court to issue a certified copy of the impugned order and grant an order of injunction in their favour to enable the tenant to challenge that order in appropriate proceedings.
Case Title: Deputy Commissioner (Works Contract), Kerala State Goods and Services Tax Department vs. National Company Law Tribunal
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 83
While allowing a Writ Petition, the Kerala High Court bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh recently observed that an Order passed by the National Company Law Tribunal ('NCLT') Kochi Bench was 'preposterous' and 'untenable'.
NCLT Kochi had held an Assessment Order by Kerala Value Added Tax ('KVAT') Works Contract Authorities against Albana Engineering (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Respondent 2) to be void ab initio in violation of Section 14(1)(a) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Case title: Abdul Kabeer P.U v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 84
The Kerala High Court has held that though the writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution is not a substitute to the remedy of bail under Section 438 or 439 of CrPC, the same may be invoked in exceptional cases for securing liberty.
Justice K Babu observed, “While seeking a relief of bail in a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution, the High Court has to exercise its power conscious of the fact that the petitioner has an alternate remedy and in exceptional cases like this a party can seek relief to secure his liberty in a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution.”
Case Title: Santhakumari Amma N. v. State of Kerala & Anr.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 85
The Kerala High Court recently dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of a 59-year-old lady who was alleged to be the close accomplice of the prime accused in the BSNL Co-Operative Society scam.
Justice C.S. Dias was of the view that the petitioner is not entitled to anticipatory bail considering that the investigation is in progress and that her custodial interrogation is necessary.
Case title: Sarojam L v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 86
The Kerala High Court has taken a humanitarian stand and permitted an 85-year-old abandoned woman to construct a residential house on her only property of waterlogged land.
“Can this Court dismiss such an application stating that the reclamation of a small bit of land out of the 81 cents of land owned by the petitioner will adversely affect the ecological condition and cultivation in the adjoining paddy land?”, it asked while allowing the plea.
Justice P V Kunhikrishnan observed that the Constitutional Court has to step in to fulfil the dream of an 85-year-old lady, to make her believe that she was not an orphan and that the Court and every citizen were with her.
Case Title: Jose v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 87
The Kerala High Court acquitted a husband who was accused of abetting his wife's suicide and stated that mens rea was an essential ingredient for sustaining a conviction for abetment of suicide under Section 306 IPC. On the other hand, while upholding his conviction for cruelty, it stated that proof of cruelty for sustaining a conviction under Section 498A IPC would depend upon the conduct which was likely to drive a woman to commit suicide.
The appellant who was convicted by the Sessions Court under Sections 306 (abetment of suicide) and 498A (husband or relative of husband subjecting her to cruelty) of IPC preferred an appeal before the High Court.
Justice P G Atjithkumar set aside the conviction under Section 306 IPC on finding that the prosecution was unable to establish mens rea required for sustaining a conviction for abetment of suicide. While upholding the conviction under Section 498A IPC, the Court stated that the wife committed suicide unbearable of the acts of the husband, amounting to cruelty.
Case Title: Meenakshi and ors. v. P Soman Nadar and ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 88
The Kerala High Court has held that the obligation to engross the final decree on stamp paper lies with the appellate court which passed the final decree.
A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumar has held the decision in Brenda Barbara Francis v. Adrian Miranda 'Halcyon' Pakkattuvila, Kunnukuzhi (2016) to be per incuriam, observing that the obligation to engross the final decree on stamp paper is with the appellate court which passed the final decree.
Case Title: Deputy Commissioner (Works Contract), Kerala State Goods and Services Tax Department vs. National Company Law Tribunal
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 89
While allowing a Writ Petition, the Kerala High Court bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh recently observed that an Order passed by the National Company Law Tribunal ('NCLT') Kochi Bench was 'preposterous' and 'untenable'.
NCLT Kochi had held an Assessment Order by Kerala Value Added Tax ('KVAT') Works Contract Authorities against Albana Engineering (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Respondent 2) to be void ab initio in violation of Section 14(1)(a) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Case Title: Shinoj Singh & Ors. v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 90
The Kerala High Court recently acquitted five RSS/BJP activists alleged of assaulting a CPI (M) worker due to political rivalry, on noting the absence of evidence to prove the identity of such persons beyond a reasonable doubt.
The conviction of respondent no 1 was, however, upheld.
The Single Judge Bench of Justice P.G. Ajithkumar relied upon the Apex Court decision in Ashish Batham v. State of Madhya Pradesh (2002), which laid down that the fundamental and basic presumption in the administration of criminal law and justice delivery system is the innocence of the accused.
Case title: Sreeranj v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 91
Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that groundwater is an essential component of groundwater resources and a special type of mineral wealth and its uncontrolled usage can even affect ecosystems.
“Being so, ground water is vulnerable and limited, despite its replenishable nature and vast reserves, impelling unexpendable regulations in most parts of the world; especially since uncontrolled exploitation of aquifers by even small water users can affect the ecosystems,” stated the Court.
It further stated that regulations on the usage of groundwater resources should not be dealt casually and as a mere formality.
“This preface is to remind the statutory Regulators that when enforcing the Regulations qua ground water use, their focus ought to be on rationality, control, safety, sustainability and care for future generations,” added the Court.
Case title: K. G. Mohandas v Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 92
The Kerala High Court today dismissed the writ petition filed by Dr Vandana's parents seeking transfer of probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Dr. Vandana Das, the 23-year-old house surgeon was stabbed to death by an injured man who was brought to the government hospital by Pooyappally police. The young house surgeon was stabbed sixteen times by Sandeep, a school teacher, using dressing room scissors.
Dismissing the writ petition, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas stated that Dr Vandana's parents have not raised allegations stating the police officers have any motive or criminal intent.
[Dr Vandana Das Murder Case] Kerala High Court Dismisses Bail Application Moved By Accused Sandeep
Case Title: Sandeep v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 93
The Kerala High Court today rejected the bail application moved by accused Sandeep in Dr Vandana Das murder case.
Dr. Vandana Das, the 23-year-old house surgeon was stabbed to death by an injured man who was brought to the government hospital by Pooyappally police. The young house surgeon was stabbed sixteen times by Sandeep, a school teacher, using dressing room scissors
While dismissing the bail application, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas stated thus:
“Accused is known to have a history of alcohol abuse disorder and was separated from his wife and children as he had attempted to kill her in a fit of rage. He is stated to have an anti-social personality disorder too”
Case Title: Deekshit VR v. The State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 94
Justice PV Kunhikrishnan held: “it is the duty of the State Election Commission to ask the petitioner whether he intends to cross examine the Secretary who gave the statement. A perusal of the statement recorded by the State Election Commission would not show that any such question was put by the Election Commission regarding the right of the petitioner to cross examine the Secretary. Relying on an uncontroverted statement of one party without giving an opportunity to the other side to cross examine cannot be relied on.
The petitioner had contested in the Mogral Puthur Grama Panchayat elections in the seat for the scheduled caste candidates. Petitioner belongs to Mogar Caste, and submitted that his mother tongue is Kannada, he does not know how to read or write in Malayalam.
Case title: Sanjay Oraon v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 95
The Kerala High Court has emphasized the importance of scientific evidence in criminal cases and observed that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) cannot delay scientific reports stating a dearth of staff and lack of infrastructure.
The petitioner, a native of West Bengal, with no roots in Kerala, was an accused in a murder case and has approached the Kerala High Court seeking bail due to a delay in commencing the trial. The Court found that the trial had not commenced due to the delay on the part of the FSL in submitting the scientific reports on material objects.
Case title: Joji Varghese v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 96
Justice Devan Ramachandran however criticised the “intolerance to cultural and artistic expressions" in a civilized nation like ours and said that if any scene in a film is in fact uncharitable, it is for the statutory authorities to decide.
The petitioner had approached the Court stating that a scene in the film depicts a firearm hidden inside the Bible, which hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community.
The Central Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) stated that the scene was a fleeting one, without any reference to any particular scripture. It submitted that the competent Committee did not feel the scene to be contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups; and that during the review screening, the members of the Committee did not even notice the Bible.
Case Title: S. Manimekhala v. State of Kerala & Ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 97
The Kerala High Court has laid down that mere procedural violations in appointment of a person to a post cannot always lead to the inference that the appointee and the appointing authority had a dishonest intention in making such appointment.
The Single Judge Bench of Justice K. Babu made the observation while dismissing the plea challenging the Special Court's dismissal of the complaint alleging irregularity in the appointment of MLA Anoop Jacob's wife to the post of Assistant Director of the Kerala Bhasha Institute.
"In the present case, the complaint is silent as to whether the person benefitted and the person who effected the appointment are part of a vicious link. There may be cases of misfeasance or, wrong administration. In all cases of malfeasance or, misfeasance or wrong administration, a prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act cannot be initiated," Justice Babu observed.
Case Title: Union of India v. Udayachandran P
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 98
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that a candidate cannot be denied employment merely by stating that he has a disease without finding that it would impact his capacity to perform functional duties or responsibilities.
The applicant, an ex-serviceman was denied employment to the post of Ticket Examiner in the Indian Railway since he was unfit by the medical board due to diabetes.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen stated thus:
“Merely citing a disease one cannot be denied employment unless it is found that such a disease would have impact on his functional duties or responsibilities. Thus we dismiss this original petition."
Case Title: Bichitra Mohanty v. State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 99
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that if an accused pleads guilty to a particular offence, the plea of guilt cannot extend to new offences invoked upon alteration of charge.
A single judge bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that in this case the Petitioner, involved in a motor accident, had pleaded guilty to the offences under sections 279 and 338 IPC and not under section 304A IPC. However, if the plea of guilt remains, the petitioner's defence could be prejudiced since the charge had been altered to section 304A IPC.
“The plea of guilt and the consequent conviction is not an empty formality, and the procedure has to be strictly followed...In the instant case, it is evident that the plea of guilt made by the accused was not for the offence under section 304A IPC. When the accused pleaded guilty, the offence was only under sections 279 and 338 IPC. The situation would have been different had the accused been informed that the offence included section 304A IPC as well.”
Case title: Noushid P A v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 100
Justice K Babu stated that there was no hard and fast rule in granting or refusing bail and each case had to be considered on its own merits. However, it stated that the Court cannot shut its eyes when the offences alleged were atrocious.
“In serious offences, the courts should not lightly entertain the bail application when there is a prima facie case. Where the offence complained is of such nature as to shake the confidence of the public, bail shall not be granted. Bail is a rule, and jail is an exception, but the accused involved in offences, which are grave, serious and heinous, fall within the exception and not the rule,” he said.
Case title: Ratheesh K R v Director, Akshaya Project & Connected Case
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 101
The Kerala High Court has stated that authorities should step in and take action if any person uses Akshaya Centres to enter into illicit financial transactions and create unauthorized wealth and illegal gains, contrary to public interest.
The petitioners had approached the Court challenging the orders issued by the District Collector and the Director of the Akshaya Project for the cancellation of the licence of Akshaya Centre alleging illegal financial transactions.
“…..when the existing licensee acts illegally and enters into proscribed financial transactions with another qua the 'Akshaya Centre', the Authorities are under an inviolable duty to step in and take action, as is mandated in law. If this is not done, it would be a premium for others to deal with 'Akshaya Centres', as a manner of creating unauthorized wealth and illegal gains, which can never be permitted, since it would tantamount to being flagrantly contrary to public interest, for which alone, such Centres are designed and established”, stated Justice Devan Ramachandran
Case title: Arun Joseph v Union of India
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 102
Justice Devan Ramachandran noted that the students could not dictate the manner in which the curriculum of the course had to be formulated and that these were matters within the policy realm to be decided by experts.
“I am persuaded to the afore view also because, the course in question is conceded to be a full time one; and hence, no student, normally and without specific permission, is entitled to either study another course, or engage in any other activity. When this factum remains uncontested, one fails to understand how the petitioner can seek that Saturdays be made a holiday”, stated the Court.
The petitioner has approached the Court claiming that if only five days were working in a week, students could do other permissible courses along with ITI to get better job opportunities.
Case Name: Jebin Jospeh v State OF Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 103
The Kerala High Court today permitted a queer man to attend his deceased live-in partner's last rites, given that the said partner's bereaved family does not object to it.
“This court certainly has little doubt that the constitutionally protected and guaranteed right of every individual to dignity and fair treatment specially under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, cannot be construed to cease with death; but continues much beyond, or at least as such time as the mortal remains are dealt with the respect it commands.”
The petitioner had approached the Court stating that his partner passed away on February 3 after falling from his flat. The mortal remains were however being maintained by Aster Medicity hospital, allegedly over failure to clear the medical bills. Petitioner was also told that he is not recognized to have any right qua the deceased under any legislative or customary laws.
Case title: Babu @Palraj v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 104
The Kerala High Court bench comprising of Justice CS Dias has granted bail to the relative of Arjun, who was acquitted in the rape and murder of a five-and-a-half-year-old minor girl at Vandiperiyar town in the Idukki district in 2021, accused of attacking the victim's family.
The petitioner in this case was accused of crimes registered under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) , 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous means or weapons) and 294 (b) (obscene act and songs) of IPC at the Vandiperiyar Police Station, Idukki.
Case title: AD v. B
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 105
The Kerala High Court has refused dissolution of marriage in a matrimonial appeal preferred by the husband on grounds of alleged cruelty, desertion and non-fulfilment of marital obligations by the wife, stating that a wife cannot be expected to tolerate husband's acts of cruelty by sacrificing her physical and mental health.
The appellant (husband) had approached the High Court challenging the order of the Family Court by which he was denied dissolution of marriage after the respondent (wife) raised allegations of matrimonial cruelty, including physical and mental abuse.
Case Title: Sanitha Saji v. Salimkumar
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 106
The Kerala High Court has held that if an election petition filed before the Election Commission within statutory period is withdrawn, the same will be sufficient cause for another person to seek condonation of delay in moving the subsequent election petition.
"Once an original petition is filed before the Election Commission alleging defection within a statutory period and suppose the party or the person who filed the Election Petition is influenced by the elected person and he was able to withdraw the defection petition, the Election Commission is not helpless in such situation," Justice PV Kunhikrishnan observed.
Case Title: Chandini CK v. The State of Kerala and ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 107
The Kerala High Court rejected a plea for 'non-creamy layer' certification on the ground that the petitioner wouldn't qualify for the categorization as it only applies to individuals engaged in their hereditary occupation.
A single judge bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing a matter where the petitioner was denied a non-creamy layer certificate by the Tahsildar and Sub-Collector.
Case Name: In Re Bruno v Union of India
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 108
The Kerala High Court has urged the State governments of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which share forest covered borders, to act in tandem against the rising issue of man-animal conflict,
The bench of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Gopinath P was dealing with a suo motu case on the issue when an incident was brought to its notice whereby a Wayanad resident was attacked within the precincts of his home, by an elephant apparently collared by forest authorities in Karnataka. It thus called for a "purposive co-operation" among the states to fulfil the constitutional guarantees afforded to the citizens, irrespective of where they reside.
Case number: Padma Conductors Pvt Ltd. v MIRC Electronics
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 109
The Kerala High Court has stated that the prosecution has to examine a witness who had direct knowledge regarding the transaction, issuance and execution of the cheque to prove dishonour of the cheque.
The appellants approached the High Court with a criminal revision petition against the conviction in a cheque dishonor matter under Section 138 NI Act where the cheque was dishonoured for want of funds.
Justice A. Badharudeen observed that the examination of a witness who had no direct knowledge regarding the transaction or issuance of the cheque would be insufficient to discharge the initial burden cast upon the complainant to prove their case.
Case Title: Maheswari S & ors v. State of Kerala & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 110
The Kerala High Court has ordered Thrissur Corporation to pay Rs. 50,000 damages to a woman whose deceased husband's licensed bunk shop was demolished despite interim protection orders passed by the Court.
A single judge bench of Justice A Muhamed Mustaque said it cannot overlook the "high handed action" of the authority but awarded only nominal damages considering that an alternative shop was subsequently allotted to the woman.
Pending Financial Liabilities, Non-Payment Of E-Challans Won't Prohibit Transfer Of Vehicle's Ownership To Wife After Husband's Death: Kerala HC
Case title: Meena v Joint Regional Transport Officer
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 111
The Kerala High Court has permitted the transfer of ownership of the vehicles to the successor wife after the death of her husband stating that pendency of financial liability due to the financier and non-payment of amounts due under the e-challans would not stand in the way of the ownership being transferred to the successor.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A J Desai and Justice V G Arun observed thus: “We allow the appeal and set aside the orders passed by the authority as well as the learned Single Judge. The authority is hereby directed to transfer the ownership of the vehicles in the name of the present appellant, within a period of two weeks from today. Needless to say that the appellant, after getting the ownership changed, is bound to pay off the dues against the vehicles.”
[Kerala Apartment Ownership Act 1983] High-Level Committee Constituted ToRecommend Modifications Based On Stakeholder Inputs: Govt Tells High Court
Case title: V K Sankarankutty v State of Kerala & Connected Cases
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 112
The Kerala High Court has been informed that interested persons can submit their versions, including suggestions in written form before the High-Level Committee constituted by the state government in connection with the Kerala Apartment Ownership Act, 1983.
Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that the Committee after deliberations shall submit a final report with their recommendations before the government within three months from February 22, 2024. It also stated that on receiving the recommendations, the government shall take a final decision on it without delay.
Case Title: Romeo Victor & anr. v. Cheranaloor Grama Panchayath & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 113
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that a Registrar's power to call for information regarding birth or death under Section 21 of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 does not extend to order DNA test of a newborn and its parents.
Justice VG Arun criticised the Registrar of Cheranalloor Grama Panchayat for refusing to issue birth certificate to the female child born to the petitioners and asking them to prove their paternity by undergoing DNA tests.
Case title: Kumarthupady Shri Bhagavathy Temple v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 114
The Kerala High Court has permitted a Temple in Alappuzha district to use the Public Address System till 11 PM, i.e. till one hour after the 10 pm deadline for use of loudspeakers, on the last two days of their annual festival.
The petitioner is the President of the Temple and had approached the Court seeking permission to use the Public Address System from 10 PM to 12 PM on main two last days of their annual festival.
Justice Devan Ramachandran said the permission is subject to temple authorities' undertaking that the sound decibels would be reduced to such a level that it would not go beyond the premises of the Temple.
Case title: Sreedevi M v State Of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 115
The Kerala High Court has stated that insurance clauses cannot be said to be arbitrary or capricious if they intend to avoid claims on account of self-injury or disablement on consumption of alcohol.
The petitioner is a widow who has approached the Court seeking insurance for the death of her husband by drowning after accidentally tripping into a well. She was denied insurance on the allegation that the husband was under the influence of alcohol at the time of death.
Writ Jurisdiction Cannot Be Invoked For Execution Of Decree: Kerala High Court
Case title: Teresa Mary George v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 116
The Kerala High Court has made it clear that writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution cannot be invoked for the execution of a decree when there is an alternative effective remedy to approach a competent civil court by filing an execution petition.
The petitioner had approached the High Court invoking its writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution for fixation of survey marks on the boundaries of a property allegedly in dispute.
Case Title: PM Gopi v. Union of India and ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 117
The Kerala High Court today closed a petition which sought the revocation of the certification of the upcoming Mammootty starrer 'Bramayugam' on the ground of alleged defamatory portrayal of a real-life person.
Justice Devan Ramachandran heard the matter.
The plea was closed following the film makers' submission that the name of the lead character had been changed to address the petitioner's concerns. The counsel for the respondents submitted that they have applied to the Central Board of Film to change the name of the lead character to 'Kodumon Potty' from "Kunjumon Potty."
Case title: Noel Joseph v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 118
The Kerala High Court has stated that there is no absolute prohibition for a police officer who recorded/registered an FIR to investigate/enquire into an offence committed beyond its territorial jurisdiction.
It held that a police officer, irrespective of their jurisdiction has the competence to record information regarding the commission of a cognizable offence. It stated that once an investigation is initiated, it cannot be called into question before the Court alleging a lack of jurisdiction.
Case Title: Soby George v. State of Kerala & ors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 119
Actor Soby George has approached the Kerala High Court challenging his conviction under Section 193 IPC in a matter connected to the death of musician Balabhaskar.
A single judge bench of Justice P Somarajan allowed the plea, stating that “the embargo under Section 162 Cr.P.C. clearly reveals that a statement recorded cannot be used for any purpose at any enquiry or trial in respect of any offence except for the purpose of contradiction and to contradict any witness in the manner” The court emphasised that the main ingredient which would constitute the offence punishable under Section 193 IPC is the tendering or fabrication of false 'evidence' to be used in any stage of a judicial proceeding.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 120
Case title: Biju V.R @ Biju Vaishyanparambil v Central Film Certification Board
Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that the writ petition was filed anticipating an action over the title of the movie, but the CBFC has not granted final certification for the movie yet.
“That said, when the Censor Board undertakes before this Court that they will verify the cinematographic movie, to ensure that all statutory requirements are fully complied with, it can only imply that the objections raised by the writ petitioner in this writ petition will also seize their mind appropriately”, stated the Court.
The Court was hearing a plea relating to a new movie starring actor Dileep titled Thankamani which is based on a real-life incident that occurred in Thankamany village in Idukki district, in October 1986.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 121
Case title: K C Ramachandran v State of Kerala & Connected Matters
The Kerala High Court has today confirmed the conviction of the accused in the murder of T P Chandrasekharan under Section 302 (punishment for murder) and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) . It also sets aside the acquittal of the 10th and 12thaccused and convicted them also under Sections 120B read with Section 302 IPC. The Court has directed the production of the accused before the Court for sentencing on February 26, 2024, at 10.15 am. The acquittal of other accused was also confirmed today.
T P Chandrasekharan, who was a member of the Communist Party of India, Marxist, [CPI (M)] formed a new political party called the Revolutionary Marxist Party (RMP). According to the prosecution case, to wreck vengeance for the loss of the C.P.I (M) candidate at the Vatakara constituency in the Lok Sabha election, he was hacked to death on a public road on May 4, 2012.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 122
Case title: Lini v State of Kerala
Justice Sophy Thomas granted custody of the baby to the father for the time being since the mother was still undergoing psychiatric treatment post-delivery due to mental strain. The custody of the child was given to the father based on a report submitted by the Child Welfare Committee.
“The custody of the child will be with the de facto complainant/father and his relatives for the time being. Child Welfare Committee, Palakkad has to supervise the welfare of the child while in the custody of the de facto complainant/father and his relatives and shall file periodic report to the jurisdictional court, once in two months”, stated the Court.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 123
Case Title: Arifa PK v. State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has directed the State government to disburse the eligible amount under National Family Benefit Scheme to a woman nearing 60 years age, stating that it is the State's fundamental duty to ensure that citizens are granted their benefits without any delay.
“I am persuaded to issue this direction because, it is conceded unequivocally that the sanction for the said payment has already been authorised,” a single judge bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran said.
The petitioner submitted the plea after failing to receive the amount under the scheme.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 124
Case title: Kuttiyali v State of Kerala & Connected Matters
The Kerala High Court has directed the government to constitute a High Level Committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department, along with experts from the fields of Geology, Hydrology, Agriculture and Disaster Management to make recommendations and offer relief to the victims of the Kavalappara landslide. The Court stated that the High Level Committee would be constituted within two months.
The residents of Kavalappara village approached the High Court seeking restoration of their land to its original position for resuming agricultural operations or seeking compensation for agriculture losses due to the landslide in 2019.
Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that residents of the village would be heard by the High Level Committee and they would make a recommendation to the government regarding the restoration of lands or disbursement of adequate compensation.
Yoga And Meditation Charges Are Subjected To Tax Under Kerala Tax On Luxuries Act: Kerala High Court
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 125
Case Title: Bethsaida Hermitage & Tourism (P) Ltd Versus State Tax Officer
The Kerala High Court has held that yoga and meditation charges are subjected to tax under the Kerala Tax on Luxuries Act.
The bench of Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Kauser Edappagath has upheld the tribunal's ruling in which the tribunal differentiated between the incomes, allowing certain deductions for the cost of medicines and professional charges related to ayurvedic treatments while including yoga and meditation charges and miscellaneous income in the taxable turnover. The Tribunal's ruling was primarily based on the definitions and exclusions specified under Section 4(2)(e) of the Kerala Tax on Luxuries Act.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 126
Case title: T.D.Sreejakumari v Union Bank Of India
Justice P.V.Kunhikrishnan remarked that Kerala has the highest literacy rate and that most youngsters in Kerala in the new generation would at least have the qualification of 10th standard. The bench also found that the petitioner was not given an opportunity of hearing before concluding that she was guilty of charges alleged against her.
Relying upon the Apex Court decision in Managing Director, ECIL, Hyderbad and others v. B. Karunakar and others (1993), the Court stated that it was illegal to deny an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner to deny the charges levelled against her.
“From the above dictum laid down by the Apex Court, it is clear that the right to make representation to the disciplinary authority against the finding recorded in the enquiry report is an integral part of the opportunity of defense against the charges and it is a breach of principles of natural justice to deny the said right. The law laid down in this regard should apply to employees in all establishments whether Government or non Government, Public or private. This will be the case even if there are rules governing the disciplinary proceedings or not and whether they expressly prohibit the furnishing of the copy of the report or are silent on the subject”, stated the Court.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 127
Case Title: The State of Kerala & ors. v. K Aravindakshan Pillai
The Kerala High Court has recently criticized the conduct of government officials in conducting litigation on time, and requested the government to consider the enactment of legislation to prevent delays in litigation due to the same.
A single judge bench of Justice A. Badharudeen noted the consequences of delays on the part of state officials in conducting litigations in a timely manner.
The court criticized the negligent attitude of the authorities and stated that“there should be some effective mechanism to realize the loss caused to the Government due to inaction and dereliction by the officials.”
"Such instances noted with extreme displeasure, utmost anxiety and seriousness and there should be some effective mechanism to realize the loss caused to the Government due to inaction and dereliction by the officials. Therefore, the appropriate Governments are hereby requested to consider enactment of an exhaustive legislation to deal with this menace", it held.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 128
Case title: Johny Kunnumpurath House V State of Kerala
Justice G Girish relying upon various Apex Court decisions stated thus:
“Though it would be unsafe and improper to decide an issue regarding disputed handwriting, signatures, fingerprints, etc., solely on the basis of the conclusions arrived by the court, by resorting to a comparison of the records on its own accord invoking Section 73 of the Evidence Act, in cases where there are other supportive evidence pointing to such conclusions it is well within the ambit of power of the court to decide the case on the basis of the exercise undertaken by it in that regard as well.”
The petitioner's wife was a captain in the Indian Army who met with an unnatural death. The allegation against the petitioner was that he forged a succession certificate and documents to obtain the insurance amount and other benefits of the deceased wife.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 129
Case title: XXX v State of Kerala
The minor was found lying unconscious in the bathroom of her house in the police quarters on March 29, 2023. While undergoing treatment, she died on May 1, 2023. The FIR No. 344/2023 was registered at the Museum Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram under Section 174 CrPC. Upon post-mortem, it was found that death was due to intracranial haemorrhage. However, it also revealed that the victim was subjected to continuous sexual abuse through vaginal and anal penetrations.
Based on the post-mortem report, another Crime No.377 of 2023 was registered at the Museum Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram under Sections 376DA (punishment for gang rape on woman under sixteen years of age), 376E (punishment for repeat offenders) and 377 (unnatural offences) of the IPC and POCSO Act. Considering the heinous nature of the offences, the investigation was carried out later on by the District Crime Branch.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 130
Case title: Greeshma @ Sreekutty v. The Deputy Superintendent of Police and ors.
The Kerala High Court stated that the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the Crime Branch heading a special investigating team that was specifically entrusted with the investigation of a crime is competent to file the final report under Section 173 CrPC.
The issue before the Court was whether the head of a Special Investigation Team, constituted to investigate a crime, not being the officer-in-charge of the police station could file a final report under section 173 CrPC.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas observed that the District Crime Branch was a specialized district-level investigative wing that aids with investigating crimes of a sensational nature at the district level. Relying upon the Apex Court decision in State of Bihar and Another v. Lalu Singh (2014), the Court stated thus:
“…it is evident that the head of the investigation team, who is the Deputy Superintendent of Police of the District Crime Branch, Thiruvananthapuram Rural and who was specifically entrusted to conduct the investigation and to ensure the filing of the final report by the District Police Chief was competent to file the final report, being an officer superior in rank to the officer-in-charge of the police station.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 131
Case Title: KK Krishnan v. State of Kerala & ors.
The Kerala High Court has held that prosecution for perjury can be maintained against a public servant without obtaining prior sanction under Section 197 CrPC, adding that as offences enumerated under Section 195 CrPC are intricately connected with the administration of justice, it is imperative that they be determined by the courts itself.
Citation: Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 132
Case Title: MP Chothy v. Anilkumar & anr.
The Kerala High Court recently rejected a plea under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, stating that unless the obstruction or annoyance was committed by the accused while the petitioner was exercising any right that accrues to him because of the abolition of untouchability, section 7(1)(b) of the Act would not be attracted.
“A mere obstruction or annoyance to a person cannot give rise to the said offence” stated Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas.
The court was hearing a plea where the petitioner, a member of the Scheduled Caste community, was challenging the refusal of the Magistrate to take cognizance of certain offences that were part of the complaint before the magistrate.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 133
Case title: K Mohandas v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has stated that encroachers of government land are not entitled to any equity and there is no public interest to assign a property when there is an admitted encroachment. It stated that even if the encroachment was decades back, the state should work to repossess the land unless there is any legal impediment to it.
The petitioners are social workers from the landless tribal community in Wayanad district and have approached the Court seeking direction to the government for facilitating the allocation of residential and agricultural lands to tribal families of Wayanad.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 134
Case title: State of Kerala v Sudheer Kumar
The Kerala High Court had upheld the decree of compensation granted to a man who got injured in an explosive attack before the Sub Jail. It observed that the State has a reasonable duty to take necessary precautions when notorious criminals involved in gang rivalry are brought into or taken out of jail.
The State had preferred an appeal against the decree of the Trial Court granting five lakh rupees as compensation to the plaintiff who suffered fifty per cent disability in an explosion at the Attakulangara Sub Jail.
[Actor Assault Case] Kerala High Court Rejects Plea Seeking Cancellation Of Dileep's Bail
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 135
Case Title: State of Kerala v. P Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep
The Kerala High Court has rejected a plea by the Crime Branch seeking to cancel the bail granted to actor Dileep who is an accused in the abduction and sexual assault case of an actress.
A single judge bench of Justice Sophy Thomas stated that the “trial court has made some observations and findings in their order which may tend to appear that the learned judges made up their mind as to the destruction of evidence and influencing, threatening the witnesses etc. alleged by prosecution”.
“It is clarified that the findings and observations made in the trial court in their order as only for the purpose of disposal of criminal appeal and it shall not affect appreciation of evidence in SC 118/2018 (main case)” added the court.
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 136
Case Title: Meenakshi and ors. v. P Soman Nadar and ors.
The Kerala High Court has held that the obligation to engross the final decree on stamp paper lies with the appellate court which passed the final decree.
A division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice PG Ajithkumarhas held the decision in Brenda Barbara Francis v. Adrian Miranda 'Halcyon' Pakkattuvila, Kunnukuzhi (2016) to be per incuriam, observing that the obligation to engross the final decree on stamp paper is with the appellate court which passed the final decree.
The bench also noted that the appellate court shall retain the original final decree that is engrossed on the stamp paper which shall form part of the records and only copies shall be provided to the parties.
“The dictum laid down in Brenda Barbara Francis that the original of the final decree shall be given to such person on his making an application is in direct conflict with the provision of Rule 237 of the Civil Rules Practice” said the court.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 137
Case title: Vazhuthacaud R.Narendran Nair v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has reiterated that mere negligence unaccompanied by moral delinquency on the part of a legal practitioner during the profession would not amount to professional misconduct warranting conviction.
While setting aside the order of the Special Judge and allowing the discharge, Justice K Babu stated thus:
“While considering the question of negligence on the part of a lawyer while giving legal opinion in a case where an offence under Section 109 read with Section 420 of IPC was charged against the lawyer in CBI v. K. Narayana Rao (supra) the Supreme Court following P.D. Khandekar v. Bar Council of Maharashtra, [(1984) 2 SCC 556] held that there is a world of difference between the giving of improper legal advice and the giving of wrong legal advice. Mere negligence unaccompanied by any moral delinquency on the part of a legal practitioner in the exercise of his profession does not amount to professional misconduct. The Supreme Court added that at the most, the lawyer may be liable for negligence if it is established by acceptable evidence and cannot be charged for the offences under Sections 420 and 109 IPC.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 138
Case title: State of Kerala v Kool Foam Pvt Ltd. & Connected Cases
The Kerala High Court has stated that the maximum time period for filing an appeal against an award as per Section 74 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation & Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act) is 120 days.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen while declining to condone the delay in filing the appeal after the maximum time period referred to an order passed by the Karnataka High Court and stated thus:
“Beyond 120 days, no appeal is entertainable by the High Court and there is no power to condone delay.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 139
Case title: Swapna Prabha Suresh v State of Kerala
Justice Viju Abraham closed the bail pleas after recording the submission of Public Prosecutor that investigations are going on and there is no intention to arrest Swapna Suresh. She is however required to cooperate in the investigation.
The Counsel for the petitioner-Swapna submitted that she was ready to duly co-operate with the investigation.
Swapna Suresh, the prime accused in the infamous gold smuggling case, had alleged that several persons in the administrative higher-ups, including the Chief Minister, his wife, his daughter, K.T Jaleel and many others, were linked to smuggling activities.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 140
Case title: Ramseena S v State of Kerala
A second habeas corpus writ was filed by the petitioner-wife of detenu before the High Court challenging the very same detention order issued under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007 stating that there was no bar in filing successive habeas on fresh grounds.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen stated thus:
“...in habeas of simpliciter, the successive writ petition is possible, and judicial practice only discourages fresh writ petitions being brought before the Court as more as a vexatious attempt to redo what the Court already refused. However, relief of habeas sought based on the challenge against detention order stands differently. The essential challenge in that process is against the detention order though ultimate relief is granted, by way of habeas corpus. If the substantial challenge is against the detention order, the very same Court cannot entertain writ petition, even if new grounds have been raised as the Court is precluded from reopening its judgment challenging the validity of detention order which has become final.”
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 141
Case Title: Vishnunarayanan v. The Secretary & Connected Cases
The Kerala High Court today dismissed a batch of petitions challenging the Travancore Dewaswom Board notification inviting applications only from Malayali Bhramins for appointment as Melshanthi(chief priest) of Sabarimala-Malikappuram temples.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P. G. Ajithkumar rejected the petitioners' argument that the conditions stipulated in the notification would not amount to "untouchability" and violated Article 17 of the Constitution.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 142
Case Title: Pradeep B v. The District Drug Disposal Committee and ors.
The Kerala High Court has stated that a Special Court under the NDPS Act can grant interim custody under Section 457 of the CrPC of vehicles that have been seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
“Leaving the seized vehicle idle and exposed to sun, rain and the vagaries of nature till the completion of the legal formalities, will only result in deterioration of the vehicle and its value” observed the court.
A bench constituting of Justices A Muhammed Mustaque, Sathish Ninan and Shoba Annamma Eapen was reviewing the decision in Shajahan v. Inspector of Excise and Others (2019), in which a Division Bench of this Court had held that a Special Court does not have the power to consider grant of release of vehicles under the NDPS Act.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 143
Case title: Vishnunaryanan v The Secretary & Connected Cases
The Kerala High Court dismissed a batch of petitions challenging the notification issued by the Devaswom Commissioner of the Travancore Devaswom Board for the years 2017-18, 2021-22 for appointment of Melsanthies of Sabarimala Devaswom and Malikappuram Devaswom. The challenge was against the eligibility criteria given in the notifications that the applicant shall only be a 'Malayala Brahmin'.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice P G Ajithkumar relying upon the Apex Court decision in Sri Venkataramana Devaru v. State of Mysore (1985), Seshammal v. State of Tamil Nadu (1972) stated that Archakas are temple priests who perform essential poojas or ceremonies (Agamas) and it was considered as integral and essential religious practise protected under Article 25 of the Constitution of India.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 144
Case Title: National Cadet Corps v Hina Haneefa @ Muhammed Ashif Ali N
The Kerala High Court has permitted a transgender woman student to participate in the selection for enrollment to the National Cadet Corp, in the female category.
Section 6 of The National Cadet Crops Act, 1948 only permits enrollment in the male and female category and does not extend to the transgender community.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Amit Rawal and Justice C S Sudha stated that they are hopeful and confident that the Central Government would amend Section 6 of the NCC Act to include transgender community since the Constitutional Court cannot direct the legislature to enact a law.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 145
Case title: Fr Edwin Pigarez V State Of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has upheld the conviction of a vicar for rape and sexual assault of a minor girl in his parish but has reduced the sentence imposed upon him by the Special Court from life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life to rigorous imprisonment of twenty years without remission.
“No doubt, rape is a crime which has a severe effect on women and the society...It is an infringement of a person's right to live a dignified life. At the same time, the court cannot ignore the basic principle of sentencing viz, that the sentence imposed should never exceed that which can be justified as appropriate or proportionate to the gravity of the crime considered in the light of its objective circumstances...we deem it appropriate to modify the sentence imposed on the first accused for the offence of rape, to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 20 years, instead of imprisonment for the remainder of the natural life imposed by the Special Court”, stated the Division Bench comprising Justice P B Suresh Kumar and Justice Johnson John.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 145
Case title: Fr Edwin Pigarez V State Of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has upheld the conviction of a vicar for rape and sexual assault of a minor girl in his parish but has reduced the sentence imposed upon him by the Special Court from life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life to rigorous imprisonment of twenty years without remission.
“No doubt, rape is a crime which has a severe effect on women and the society...It is an infringement of a person's right to live a dignified life. At the same time, the court cannot ignore the basic principle of sentencing viz, that the sentence imposed should never exceed that which can be justified as appropriate or proportionate to the gravity of the crime considered in the light of its objective circumstances...we deem it appropriate to modify the sentence imposed on the first accused for the offence of rape, to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 20 years, instead of imprisonment for the remainder of the natural life imposed by the Special Court”, stated the Division Bench comprising Justice P B Suresh Kumar and Justice Johnson John.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 146
Case title: Ahammedkutty Bran v Sukumaran
The Kerala High Court has recently decided a question on whether a buyer is entitled to a charged decree on the plaint schedule property under Section 55(6)(b) of the Transfer of Property Act when both the plaintiff (buyer) and defendant (seller) have failed to perform the agreement for the sale of a property after the buyer already paying advance sale consideration.
Section 55 of the TP Act describes the rights and liabilities of the buyer and seller. The charge was provided under Section 55(6)(b) which reads: “The buyer is entitled— unless he has improperly declined to accept delivery of the property, to a charge on the property, as against the seller and all persons claiming under him, to the extent of the seller's interest in the property, for the amount of any purchase- money properly paid by the buyer in anticipation of the delivery and for interest on such amount; and, when he properly declines to accept the delivery, also for the earnest (if any) and for the costs (if any) awarded to him of a suit to compel specific performance of the contract or to obtain a decree for its rescission.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 147
Case title: B. v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has upheld the punishment imposed by the Special Court on a stepfather for brutally raping his minor daughter and later threatening and intimidating her by attempting to pour acid in her mouth.
It stated that the minor girl who belonged to a socially and economically backward tribal community who was raped by her stepfather should be adequately compensated under the Kerala Victim Compensation Scheme. The Court thus directed the Kerala Legal Services Authority (KeLSA) to pay an amount of rupees five lakh as compensation to the minor victim.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Kauser Edappagath while upholding the punishment imposed by the Special Court stated thus:
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 148
Case title: Manuja Mythri v Advocate T K Ajan
Justice Sophy Thomas while setting aside the summons stated that criminal courts have to be careful in taking cognizance and issuing summons since criminal proceedings could be used as a weapon of harassment or retaliation.
“Taking cognizance and issuing summons to a person as accused in a criminal case is a serious matter affecting his dignity, self respect and image in the society. So, criminal courts have to be careful while taking cognizance and issuing summons to an accused, as we often see criminal proceedings are being resorted to as a weapon of harassment or retaliation.”
The respondent, an advocate filed a defamation case against the petitioner under Section 500 of the IPC. The petitioner has thus approached the High Court for quashing the proceedings before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-I, Karunagapally wherein a summons was issued to her under Section 204 CrPC.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 149
Case title: Dr.Navaneeth K.Unni v State Represented By Public Prosecutor
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas stated that inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC have to be used for quashing the complaint to prevent abuse of the process of the Court and to secure the ends of justice.
“While considering the question whether the power under Section 482 should be exercised or not, the Court must always be guided by the principles laid down in the provision itself i.e, to prevent the abuse of process of the Court or to secure the ends of justice. In the instant case, this Court is satisfied that both those parameters are satisfied. The complaint is required to be quashed to prevent the abuse of process of Court and also to secure the ends of justice.”
The Court reached the above conclusion relying upon the decision in Priyanka Mishra v. State of Kerala (2023), wherein it was held that “accused should be protected against vexations and unwanted criminal prosecution and from unnecessarily being put through the rigours of an eventual trial.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 150
Case Title: State of Kerala v. Kuniyil Shanoob and ors
The Kerala High Court has acquitted all but one accused in CPM leader P Jayarajan's attempt to murder case. While the court did find the second accused to be guilty, the sentence was commuted.
A single judge bench of Justice P. Somarajan heard the matter.
"There is failure on the part of the prosecution to show and prove the involvement of accused No.1 and 3 to 9 in the alleged commission of offense,” stated the court while ordering the acquittal.
It observed that the recovery of the alleged weapon used in the commission of offense would not give any corroboration as to the involvement of accused No.1 and 3 to 9 simply on the reason that recovery was effected through accused No.2 and not through any other accused.
Citation Number: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 151
Case Title: Manoj v. State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court allowed an appeal challenging conviction under Section 20 of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act, (NDPS Act) for non-compliance with Section 52 of the Act, which requires police officers to certify the inventory of the seized substances by a magistrate.
A single judge bench of Justice K Babu remarked that “the intention of the legislature by incorporating Section 52A in the NDPS Act is to see that the process of drawing the sample has to be in the presence and under the supervision of the Magistrate, and the entire exercise has to be certified by him to be correct”.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 152
Case Title: Firos C.A. Versus State Of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has held that Section 39 of the Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003, empowers the taxing authorities to recover the tax dues from the directors of the private company if the company fails to make payment of the tax.
The bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh has observed that when the taxing authorities could not recover the dues from the company, they issued notice for recovery of the said tax dues against the petitioners, who are the directors.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 153
Case title: Johny Padikala V P C Hassan
Justice Sathish Ninan stated that the owner could at best be expected to oversee that the business was conducted by the tenant in accordance with the licence deed but could not be made liable for damages to a third party.
“The owner of the premises could not be made liable for any damage that occurred to a third party consequent on the conduct of the business by the occupier of the premises-the second defendant. However, the position would have been different if the entrustment was for the conduct of a business which is not permitted under law.”
The first defendant (owner) is the appellant who was the owner of a building containing shop rooms. He had let out his shop room to the second defendant (tenant) for storing explosive substances.
Kerala High Court Directs Binoy Kodiyeri To File Income Tax Returns For Assessment Years 2015-22
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 154
Case Title: Binoy Kodiyeri v. The Assistant Commissioner
The Kerala High Court has disposed of the petition filed by Binoy Kodiyeri challenging the assessment orders issued to him by the Income Tax Department for a total of 7 assessment years from 2015-16 to 2021-22.
Binoy Kodiyeri, son of CPM politician Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, had moved a plea before the High Court alleging that the procedure adopted by the IT Department in issuing certain notices to him was illegal. He claimed the notices were issued in violation of Section 153C of the Income Tax Act which provides for the re-opening of assessments for only six preceding years.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 155
Case title: Vaisakh v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has allowed the bail application of an accused whose crime was registered for allegedly possessing narcotics and psychotropic substances in commercial quantity.
In the facts of the case, the police officer searched and seized contraband in from two different zip lock bags from the petitioner and pillion rider, and without drawing a representative sample from both the covers, the contraband was mixed and put in a single cover without the permission of a Magistrate.
Justice C S Dias found that it was mandatory to follow the procedure laid down for drawal, storage, testing and disposal of samples seized as per Section 52 A (procedure for disposal of seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances) of the NDPS Act and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (seizure, storage, sampling and disposal) Rules, 2022.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 156
Case title: Bipin Sunny v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has warned the imposition of cost to a person who approached the Court for a third time with an anticipatory bail application on the same set of facts.
Justice A Badharudeen stated that the petition was an abuse of the process of the Court and warned of imposition of cost.
“Therefore, the present petition is absolutely an abuse of process of court in the facts of the case discussed and which would deserve dismissal. In fact, imposition of cost also to be considered, but for the time being, I avoid imposition of cost.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 157
Case title: Shameera S v Secretary To Government
The Kerala High Court stated that ordinary leave granted to a prisoner under a government order could not be denied or withheld by prison authorities citing subsequent events or conduct of the convict.
“Therefore, the circumstances till the date of the said recommendation alone are noticed for the grant of leave. The said leave, once granted, by the Government, cannot be interfered with by the Superintendent of Prisons, that too based on a subsequent event. If such orders of the Government are permitted to be interfered with by subordinate officers, chances of misuse and abuse will occur” stated Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 158
Case title: The Commissioner V Nithya R Warriar
The Kerala High Court has observed that mothers can't be compelled to choose between motherhood and employment. It directed the State to take a compassionate approach towards the transfer of single mothers in order to respect the fundamental rights of the parent as well as of the child.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A. Muhammad Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen observed that the rights of children who were affected by transfers of single parent or mother were dealt insensitively these days.
“State authorities concerned are bound to deal with the situation in a compassionate manner so as to respect the rights of not only the employee concerned but also that of the child in question in a case like this. If that be so, there may not be any necessity for the court to always urge or admonish the State authorities to behave in a proportionate and reasonable manner in matters affecting fundamental rights and it may be better in the interest of things that the State authorities themselves proactively adopt a compassionate perspective in a case of this nature.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 159
Case title: T M Irshad v State of Kerala & Connected Case
The Kerala High Court has addressed the issue of human-animal conflict in respect of stray dogs. It stated there was a section of people who demanded the killing of stray dogs and another section of people who were fighting to protect the stray dogs.
Justice P.V.Kunhikrishnan stated that bonafide dog lovers, instead of writing in print and visual media should come forward to help the local government institutions to protect them.
The Court stated that bonafide dog lovers could approach the local authorities with applications for obtaining licences to keep stray dogs in tune with the provisions of the Animal Birth Control Rules and Kerala Municipality Act.
Ordering 'Pittance Amount' As Maintenance Violates Child's Right To Decent Living: Kerala High Court
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 160
Case title: Darsana v Sunil
The Kerala High Court has stated that ordering 'pittance' by way of maintenance amount violates the right of a child to a decent living. It stated that Courts while ordering maintenance for children should be more cautious to ensure that the amount ordered would be sufficient to meet both ends together.
Justice P. Somarajan observed that a child cannot be left at the mercy of the father and has a valuable and substantive right to get maintenance which would meet the educational, medical and other expenses.
“Right to get maintenance to a child born in the wedlock from the father is a substantive right, for which, the child cannot be termed as at the mercy of her father. But, it is her valuable right and the father is bound to maintain the child. It should reflect the amount required for the maintenance of the child inclusive of educational expenses, medical expenses and all other expenses connected with the livelihood”, stated the Court.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 161
Case Title: Ashish AS v. Union of India and ors.
The Kerala High Court has closed a plea challenging the naming of a youth college festival to be held in the State as 'Intifiada.'
The plea challenging the naming of the youth festival has been closed in light of the direction of the Vice Chancellor to remove the word 'Intifada' from all banners, posters etc.
“In light of the above note, the prayers in the writ petition are infructuous”said Justice PV Kunhikrishnan.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 162
Case title: Khalid v State of Kerala
Justice Sophy Thomas stated that a plea of alibi can be used as a shield not as a sword.
“In a plea of alibi, it is the burden of the accused to prove with absolute certainty that the presence of the accused at the scene of crime at the time of occurrence was rather an impossibility. He has to adduce positive evidence to prove the plea of alibi, and that opportunity arises only when prosecution discharges its burden to prove the incident, and the participation of the accused in that incident. Plea of alibi is a defence available for the accused, when prosecution establishes the case against him. Hence it has to be used as a shield, and not as a sword. So a plea of alibi taken by the accused need not be entertained, till prosecution establishes its case satisfactorily. Therefore the plea of alibi cannot be entertained, before prosecution is given an opportunity to establish its case.”
The petitioner was the sole accused and was alleged that he sexually assaulted 11 year old minor girl who was his close relative and was facing charges under Sections 376AB (punishment for rape on woman under twelve years of age), 376(2)(n) (punishment for committing rape repeatedly on same woman) of IPC and under the POCSO Act. He has approached the High Court to quash the final report and proceedings against him on the files of Fast Track Special Court, Pattambi.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 163
Case Title: Greeshma Viji v. Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kottayam
The Kerala High Court today observed that it ought to be considered an honour to be appointed as an advocate commissioner as opposed to merely being employed for monetary remuneration.
“Commissioner is not a job, it is not employment, it is a privilege given by the court” observed the court.
Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing a plea moved by a lawyer practising in Kottayam whose name had been struck off the list of lawyers who could be appointed as commissioners merely because she asked for her allowance (batta) to be increased.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 164
Case Title: Jayakumar and ors. v. Union of India
The Kerala High Court has stated that Unit Run Canteens do not come within the definition of 'state' as provided under Article 12 of the Indian Constitution.
“Merely because the Unit Run Canteens works under the Canteen Stores Department (CSD) and the CSD are founded by the consolidated fund of India, it cannot be said that the Unit Run Canteens is directly controlled and financed by the Government of India, they have an independent stand and are working on separate SOPs, issued from time to time” observed Justice Basant Balaji.
The court was hearing a petition by the employees of a Unit Run Canteen functioning in Pangode Army Headquarters challenging an order to replace these employees with contract workers.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 165
Case Title: Isahack v. Mini and ors.
The Kerala High Court has reiterated that it is not feasible to have documentary evidence in a transaction between spouses and in-laws, in a plea challenging the maintainability of a petition before the family court.
A division bench of Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice C Pratheep Kumar observed that “in a transaction between spouses and in-laws, especially when it occurred during the period in which they were in cordial terms and most probably at the time of marriage or immediately before the marriage, usually there will be no documents to prove the same”.
The petitioner had challenged an original petition filed by his daughter (1st respondent) on the ground that the Family Court had no jurisdiction to entertain the matter. The respondent had filed a plea before the family court to assign the scheduled property in her favor in lieu of the money and gold belonging to her that was entrusted to the petitioner.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 166
Case title: Sreejith M B V State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court directed the Aluva Municipality to provide an undertaking before the Court that the temporary amusement park at Aluva Shivaratri Manappuram shall be established and operated only in strict compliance with the law.
“There can be little doubt that any Amusement Park - be that temporary or permanent - will have to adhere to every requirement in law, particularly safety criteria, because if any mishap is to happen, it would have a cataclysmic effect, especially when it is common knowledge that large number of devotees and others would throng the festival.” stated Justice Devan Ramachandran
The petitioner has approached the High Court seeking Aluva Municipality to prohibit the operation of a temporary Amusement Park at Aluva Shivaratri Manappuram without required clearances, permissions, and approvals from competent officials.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 167
Case title: Gokul Raj v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has considered the extent to which an advocate has the right to seek an adjournment of trial at his or her convenience. Justice A. Badharudeen stated that due to unnecessary adjournment of cases, justice had been denied to real aggrieved persons. It further stated that time-bound disposal of cases was not taking place due to unnecessary adjournments.
“Even though lawyers are duty bound to co-operate with the Court in the matter of disposal and that is what is intended by co-operation between the Bar and the Bench in letter and spirit, time bound disposal of cases could not be materialized because of unnecessary adjournments. This is the biggest menace and the same is the reason for huge pendency of matters before all courts”, stated the Court.
The Court added that judges were unable to distinguish between genuine requests made by lawyers who were really suffering from illnesses since some lawyers use illness as a ground to seek unnecessary adjournments even after the case was posted for final hearing.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 168
Case title: Sebastian Jacob v The Transport Commissioner
The Kerala High Court stated that a person who wants to renew his driving licence after one year of its expiry has to undergo a mandatory test of competence to drive under Section 15 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The Court reasoned that the Motor Vehicles Act underwent comprehensive amendments with effect from November 2019, adding that Section 15 (3) was amended to include the test of competency to drive for renewal of a driving licence if it was submitted after one year of expiry of the licence.
“Indeed there is certain incongruity between Clause (a)(i) to the proviso to Section 9(3) and the 2nd proviso to Section 15(4). But, as far as renewal of Driving Licences is concerned, we have to hold that if application for renewal of Driving Licence is made after one year of the period of previous licence, one has to undergo the test of competence to drive”, stated the Court.
The Court further stated two reasons for the petitioner to undergo the test of competence to drive. The first reason was that he applied for renewal of his driving license under Section 15 of the Act, so he should satisfy the requirement under proviso to Section 15 (4) which mandates a test of competence to drive after the expiry of one year of previous driving licence. The second reason was that as per the 2019 amendment, the legislature intended to include a test of competence to drive for renewal of the driving licence.
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 169
Case Title: Shamnad N and ors. v. The Corporation of Thrissur Through Secretary and anr.
The Kerala High Court has closed a plea challenging an eviction order of the Thrissur Corporation, holding that the petitioners would fall under the definition of 'street vendors' as per Section 2 of the Street Vendors Act 2014 and as such, they are empowered to make an application in writing to the committee constituted under Section 20.
The court stated that the petitioners may approach the committee constituted in the Thrissur Corporation for the redressal of their grievances.
“There is a specific grievance redressal mechanism under the Act. I will direct you to approach that mechanism, I will grant you some time” said Justice N Nagaresh.
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 170
Case Title: Dr. M. Ganeshkumar v. State of Kerala and ors.
The Kerala High Court has held that a nativity clause which disqualifies non-resident medical officers from applying under the service quota of the Kerala Medical Officers' Admission to Post Graduate Courses Under Service Quota Act is invalid and unconstitutional, adding that the State cannot include any clause in the prospectus that prevents a medical officer under the Act from being considered under any service quota for admission to the Medical Post Graduate Degree Courses based on nativity alone.
“The nativity clause in the instant case discriminates between persons born in the state of Kerala and those born outside the State, and such discrimination falls foul of Article 15(1) of the Constitution” observed the Justice Mohammed Nias.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 171
Case title: Mary Mohan Chacko V Inspector General
The Kerala High Court has stated that the Registration Act grants power to the registration authorities to a will to cancel a registered deed only in case of false impersonation.
On analysing Section 83A of the Registration Act, Justice Viju Abraham stated that registered documents could be cancelled by registration authorities only on grounds of false impersonation for executing a will.
“Going by Section 83A, a registered document could be cancelled by the registration authorities, ie., Inspector General of Registration only on finding that someone has falsely personated another, and in such assumed character presented, admitted the execution and got registered any document by a registering officer and the existence of such a document is detrimental to the interest of another person”, stated the Court
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 172
Case title: SATHEESHKUMAR @ KARI SATHEESH v CBI
The Kerala High Court confirmed the conviction and sentences imposed upon the second accused -Satheeshkumar alias Kari Satheesh in the Paul Muthoot Murder case. The Court upheld his conviction under Section 302 IPC (punishment for murder) on the finding that it was the second accused who inflicted stab injuries causing the death of the deceased.
The second accused approached the High Court challenging his conviction and sentence imposed by the Trial Court. The Trial Court convicted and sentenced the second accused for offences punishable under Sections 144, 148 and 302 of the IPC and Sections 143, 147, 341, 323, 324, 326 and 506 Part II read with Section 149 IPC.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 173
Case title: P V Nandakumar v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has held that an employee can approach the High Court to claim interest on delayed payment of his Retirement benefits in cases where no adverse liability is fixed on him by the employer.
An employee of the Kerala Water Authority had approached the High Court in a writ appeal seeking interest on the delayed payment of his retirement benefits.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice C. Pratheep Kumar stated that the writ petition of the appellant should not have been rejected by directing the appellant to approach other authorities or to file a suit for realisation of interest on delayed payment through a Civil Court.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 174
Case title: NATAK v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court stated that intolerance was anathema in matters relating to creativity and artistic expression when different persons have different perceptions of creativity. It further stated that creative discretion and liberties will have to be judged from the angle of impact that it will have on the general public.
The petitioner's theatre organisation has approached the Kerala High Court challenging the order of a Sub Divisional Magistrate directing them to alter the name of their drama called as 'Governorum Thoppiyum' on the misunderstanding that it was made as a reference to the Governor of Kerala.
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 175
Case Title: Stephen v. State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court in a recent POCSO matter rejected the appeal of an accused who was convicted for committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault on his nine-year-old daughter.
The Court also rejected the argument of the accused that the sentence imposed of 5 years under the POCSO Act, and 1 year under the IPC, was disproportionate to the gravity of the offence.
A division bench of Justices PB Suresh Kumar and Johnson John reasoned that the punishment imposed was not disproportionate to the gravity of the offence as the accused was the biological father of the 9-year-old victim.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 176
Case title: Ajmal K V v Union Bank of India & Connected Case
The Kerala High Court has held that auction purchasers cannot say that banks cannot enter into a one-time settlement facility with the borrowers and cancel the auction sale until the sale was conformed in their favour.
Justice N Nagaresh stated that the auction purchasers do not acquire any right or interest over the mortgaged properties as long as the auction sale was confirmed and sale certificates were issued in their favour.
"It is true that the right of redemption is available to the borrowers will stand extinguished upon publication of notice of auction. However, that will not prevent the parties to a loan agreement from entering into a One Time Settlement. As long as the sale of the mortgaged assets is not confirmed in favour of the auction purchasers and as long as the Sale Certificates are not issued, the auction purchasers cannot be heard to contend that the Bank should not enter into a One Time Settlement with the borrowers"
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 177
Case Title: Rahiya v. Jasna and ors.
The Kerala High Court has held that a complainant under the Negotiable Instruments Act cannot rely on the presumption that the holder of a negotiable instrument has paid consideration for it when his claim is inconsistent.
It upheld the acquittal of the accused upon noting that the complainant in the present case had failed to prove that the cheque had been issued in lieu of legally enforceable debt when called upon to do so by the trial court, due to suspicious circumstances surrounding the consideration for the negotiable instrument.
“The accused could discharge her initial onus of proof showing that the existence of consideration was doubtful. The onus now shifted to the complainant, who is obliged to prove it as a matter of fact” observed Justice K Babu.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 178
Case Title: Suhaib @ Kullappi Kakka v. State of Kerala and ors.
The Kerala High Court has held that any person regardless of gender and age can be an accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act).
It thus refused to quash the proceedings pending under the Act against a minor. The bench of Justice PG Ajithkumar however clarified that the minor cannot be tried in an ordinary criminal court but can only be dealt under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
“'Penetrative sexual assault' and 'sexual assault' and its aggravated forms are defined in Sections 3, 5, 7 and 9 of the PoCSO Act. A reading of those definitions and the corresponding penal provisions indicate that any person irrespective of gender and age can be a person accused of such offences, of course, subject to the general exceptions in the IPC” observed .
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 179
Case title: Dr.Ruwise E.A V The Principal Govt. Medical College
The Kerala High Court has permitted Dr Ruwais, who is booked for abetting the suicide of his girlfriend Dr Shahana by backing out of their marriage in demand of exorbitant dowry, to re-join his post-graduate studies.
Ruwais was charged with the offences under Section 306 IPC ('Abetment of Suicide') and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act ('Penalty for demanding dowry'). When the incident came to light, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) suspended Ruwais' medical license. He is currently released on bail.
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 180
Case Title: Navas PK v. State of Kerala and ors.
The Kerala High Court recently held that a look out notice under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act, 2007 cannot be challenged without a challenge to the detention order
“We note that a look out notice is a part of consequential proceedings. It cannot be subject to challenge” observed Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen.
A look out notice was issued against the petitioner under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act, 2007. The petitioner approached the High Court challenging the notice without challenging the detention order.
Case Title: XXX v. XXX
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 181
The Kerala High Court upheld the judgement passed by the Family Court dissolving the marriage between the parties in a joint petition filed for divorce, even though the wife withdrew her consent for filing the divorce.
The Division Bench comprising Justice Anu Sivaraman and Justice C Pratheep Kumar stated that the Family Court dissolved the marriage by relying upon the decision in Benny v. Mini (2021) and the Bombay High Court judgment in Prakash Alumal Kalandari v. Jahnavi Prakash Kalandari (2011). The Court stated that one party cannot unilaterally withdraw from the terms of settlement entered through a mediation agreement after the other party has performed their part of the settlement terms.
Dismissing the appeal filed by the appellant, the Court stated that,
“Several litigations are pending between the parties before various courts including petition for divorce, custody of child and patrimony. All those cases were settled in mediation and the parties agreed to dissolve their marriage by mutual consent. Accordingly, the parties filed a joint petition for divorce, received part payment, disposed of the pending cases and thereafter at the final stage when the case was taken up for evidence to record the consent of the parties, the appellant withdrew her consent.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 182
Case title: Santhosh @ Chandu v State
The Kerala High Court has upheld a conviction order passed by the Trial Court despite the misjoinder of charges, stating there was no failure of justice.
Justice P G Ajithkumar said no prejudice was caused to the accused and separate evidence was brought before the Court to prove separate charges. It stated that the accused was given ample opportunity to challenge the evidence presented before the Court and there was no failure of justice, despite misjoinder of charges.
“From the nature of evidence let in by the prosecution, which is adverted to above, it is quite clear that separate evidence was brought in concerning each head of the charges. No occasion resulting in miscarriage of justice or prejudice to the appellant is pointed out by the learned Amicus Curiae. On an anxious consideration of the evidence on record, I am convinced that there occurred no failure of justice on account of such a misjoinder of charge. The appellant obtained enough opportunity to challenge the evidence of each witness and there was no overlapping or mixing up of facts. In the circumstances, the conviction of the appellant is quite legal; in spite of such a misjoinder of charges. Hence, I find no reason to interfere with the judgment of conviction.”
The appellant was the sole accused and was convicted and sentenced for offences punishable under Section 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 354 (assault or criminal force to assault modesty of woman) and 448 (punishment for house trespass) of the IPC.
Case title: The Manager v State of Kerala & Connected Case
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 183
The Kerala High Court stated that there was no break in service merely because the initial appointment was made in leave vacancy followed by an appointment in regular vacancy.
The dispute in the writ appeal was in connection with the appointment of a teacher (5th respondent) as headmistress in an aided school.
Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen dismissed the appeal filed by the Manager of the school and other teachers who were appointed as headmistress stated that the 5th respondent was eligible to be appointed as headmistress since she served without any break for 12 years even though her initial appointment was made in a leave vacancy.
Case title: Sudha V Mohan v The Authorized Officer
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 184
The Kerala High Court took a humanitarian approach by directing the bank officials to defer coercive proceedings against the petitioner's husband and his assets, who is now in a vegetative state.
The court has also directed the Sub Divisional Magistrate/Revenue Divisional Officer to decide to grant limited guardianship under Section 14 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 to the petitioner-wife for disposing of her husband's property for clearing his liabilities.
Justice N Nagaresh stated that a humanitarian approach has to be taken since the petitioner's husband is now in a comatose state under the care of his wife and children.
Prima Facie Offence Not Attracted: Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail ToTwo Accused In Kerala University Arts Festival Bribery Scandal
Case Title: Jomet and ors. v. State of Kerala and anr.
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 185
The Kerala High Court recently allowed the anticipatory bail application of the two accused in the cheating scandal at the Kerala University Arts Festival, stating that prima facie the offences alleged are not attracted against them.
“On an appreciation of the facts, the rival submissions made across the Bar, the materials placed on record and the findings rendered above, this Court is prima facie of the opinion that the offence attributed against the petitioners may not be attracted. Furthermore, I find that the petitioners' custodial interrogation is unnecessary,” observed Justice CS Dias while allowing the bail application.
Case Title: Dr. Laxmy Rajmohan and ors. v. State of Kerala and ors.
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 186
The Kerala High Court has dismissed the petition challenging clause 6 of the Kerala Medico-Legal Protocol for Examination of Survivors of Sexual Offences 2019 which mandates that gynaecologists be the sole specialists to conduct medical examination of survivors of sexual offence.
The court accepted the respondent's arguments and noted that the amendment applies to only one category of sexual assault survivors which is woman/child survivors of vaginal penetrative sexual assault.
"In the case of a woman or a girl, they're trying to give the best possible care" remarked Justice Devan Ramachandran orally.
Case title: Anilkumar V State Of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 187
The Kerala High Court stated that a person cannot be convicted for an offence of house trespass if the 'property in question' was under his joint possession. It stated that the entry of the offender into a property which is in his joint possession cannot be termed unlawful and cannot be termed as criminal trespass.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.K.Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Kauser Edappagath, partly allowed the appeal and acquitted the accused under Section 449 IPC and confirmed his murder conviction.
Case Title: N Prakash v P Jayarajan and Anr.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 188
The Kerala High Court today disposed of a plea filed over allegedly "derogatory" Facebook post made by CPI(M) Leader P Jayarajan in relation to the proceedings emanating from an attack on the leader in 1999.
Upset with the manner in which his case was dealt with by the single judge, Jayarajan purportedly said people should react against such "worms" in the judiciary.
Justice Devan Ramachandran said it is for the Registrar General to take action and a judicial order need not be issued. “There can be little doubt that the Registrar General is vested with certain powers under the Contempt of Courts (High Court of Kerala) Rules, 1971 and this Court feels and finds no reason to believe that he would not exercise it as per law taking note of all relevant and germane aspects. In such perspective, I do not think that this court is to direct the Registrar General to act in a particular manner because it is up to him statutorily to take action as per the legislative scheme. In the afore circumstances, I close this writ petition, however, leaving full liberty to the petitioner to move before the Registrar General appropriately for which purpose all contentions are also left open.”
Case title: Gware Margret Sebina v Union Of India
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 189
The Kerala High Court has permitted a Kenyan woman, who is jailed pending trial in Women's Jail and Correction Home at Viyyur, to undergo medical termination of pregnancy.
Justice Devan Ramachandran relied upon the report submitted by a Medical Board to state that there was no difficulty in allowing medical termination of pregnancy when the pregnancy was only 14 weeks old and within the statutory limits prescribed under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.
Case title: XXX v Union of India
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 190
The Kerala High Court has held that a woman can claim a 'change of circumstances' for seeking medical termination of pregnancy during pending divorce proceedings.
The bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran reasoned that 'marital status' cannot be construed as merely de jure (a legal construction) in the context of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act and it has to be seen de facto since there may be situations where a woman, though married, may effectively be without any benefits of marriage.
Case title: The Principal & Others v Dr. Ruwise E A & Others
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 191
The Kerala High Court today set aside the interim order issued in favour of Dr Ruwais, accused of abetting the suicide of his girlfriend Dr Shahana by backing out of their marriage in demand of exorbitant dowry, which permitted him to re-join his post-graduate studies.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice A J Desai and Justice V G Arun set aside the interim order passed by the Single judge because the college authorities were not given sufficient time to produce documents and plead their case before the Court.
Bulk Possession Would Lead To Irresistible Conclusion Of Trafficking Counterfeit Currency Notes Punishable U/S 489B IPC: Kerala High Court
Case title: MD. Kamirul Islam v CBI
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 192
The Kerala High Court has held that possession of a bulk quantity of counterfeit currency notes without an explanation would only lead to an irresistible conclusion that the accused had an object of trafficking counterfeit currency notes and not merely using it.
“The appellants and their companion children were in possession of 139 notes of 1000 rupee and 168 notes of 500 rupee denominations. One among them was proved to have attempted to transact a 1000 rupee counterfeit note. The appellants came to Kerala and stayed in lodges and they are Hindi speaking persons. They did not offer any explanation for the possession of such a quantity of counterfeit currency notes. In such circumstances, the irresistible conclusion is that they carried and possessed the counterfeit currency notes with the object of transacting the same amounting to trafficking of counterfeit currency notes, and not merely possession with intent to use”, stated Justice P G Ajithkumar.
Case title: Vineeth V V v Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 193
The Kerala High Court recently quashed an inquiry report issued under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act and rules made thereunder against an Assistant Engineer who was working in the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), citing violation of principles of natural justice.
Quashing the inquiry report, Justice Basant Balaji stated thus: “The entire proceedings shall be completed in accordance with law strictly following the principles of natural justice and Rule 7 of the POSH Rules after giving the petitioner an opportunity of hearing as well, within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.”
Procedure U/S 148A Need Not Be Complied With Before Issuing Reassessment Notices: Kerala High Court
Case Title: Muhammed C K Versus Assistant Commissioner Of Income Tax
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 194
The Kerala High Court has held that the procedure contemplated by the provisions of Section 148A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, need not be complied with before issuing notices under Section 148 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The bench of Justice Gopinath P. has observed that when an item or cash, as in this case, is produced before a Criminal Court, then it is not open to the Income Tax Department to issue a notice under Section 132A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 Act, to the Court in question. Once the item is produced before the Court in connection with any criminal case registered by the Police or any other law enforcement agency, an application for release of the same or for giving custody of the same to the Income Tax Department can only be in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure and specifically Section 451 Cr.P.C. It does not take away from the fact that the department initiated proceedings under Section 132A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, to requisition the amount from the station house officer.
Case Title: Rajachandrasekharan @ Babu v. State of Kerala
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 195
The Kerala High Court has held that the presumption under Section 8 of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act regarding knowledge of accused about victim's caste or tribal identity is applicable, if the victim is the wife of the accused.
Section 8(c) says there is a presumption that the accused would be aware of the victim's caste or tribal identity if they were previously acquainted with the victim. “The victim herein is none other than the wife of the appellant...Hence, the presumption under Section 8 could very well be drawn” observed Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Kauser Edappagath.
Case name: Dr. Radhika Kapahtia v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 196
The Kerala High Court has held that ordinary quarrels in marital life without any overt act or instigation that would stimulate or prod the deceased to commit suicide would not attract an offence of abetment to suicide under Section 306 of the IPC.
Quashing the criminal proceedings against the wife, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas stated that other than ordinary quarrels between the spouses, there was no instigation by the wife to commit suicide.
Case Title: Rajesh v. Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Fort Kochi and ors
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 197
The Kerala High Court has stated that a burial in a stranger's property without their express consent can be construed as an abandonment of that body and thereby, the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Burial of Unclaimed Corpses and Carcasses) Rules, 1996 can be invoked in such cases.
“In my opinion, by his refusal to remove the corpse even after it becoming evident that the body was buried in a stranger's property, the son had virtually abandoned the body of his mother, making it akin to an unclaimed corpse” observed Justice V G Arun
Kerala High Court Grants Bail To Former Government Pleader In Sexual Assault Case
Case Name: PG Manu v. State of Kerala
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 198
The Kerala High Court on Friday granted bail to PG Manu, a former senior government pleader who practiced before the High Court and who was arrested on allegations of subjecting a client to rape.
However, Justice Sophy Thomas pointed to the seriousness of the offence alleged and observed, "The fact that the petitioner was a senior government pleader of this Court and that he sexually exploited a hapless lady who approached him to settle a case which was registered at her instance is a serious hing to be taken note of. The petitioner who was in a position to dominate the will of the victim sexually exploited her and committed rape and sent obscene videos to her continuously.”
Criminal Courts Not Recovery Courts, Quantum Of Bond Can't Depend On Amount Involved In Criminal Cases: Kerala High Court
Case title: Renjith Kumar V K v State Of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 199
The Kerala High Court stated that the right to be enlarged on bail is an indefeasible part of the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution and cannot be denied by imposing stringent or unreasonable conditions.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas stated that excessive bond amounts cannot be imposed for denying bail since bail bonds only intend to secure the presence of the accused before the court. It stated that the amount fixed in bail bonds does not determine the sufficiency of surety and does not depend on the amount involved in criminal cases.
Case title: YYY v State of Kerala
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 200
The Kerala High Court stated that an accused was not entitled to bail merely because the Trial Court failed to frame charges within a stipulated time. In the facts of the case, the High Court had dismissed the earlier bail application of the accused with a direction to the Trial Court to frame charges within one month and to dispose of the case within six months thereafter.
Justice Sophy Thomas stated that the accused was not entitled to bail since there were concurrent findings against him. It stated that the accused will have to face the trial as an under-trial prisoner due to the nature and gravity of the alleged offences against him.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 201
Case title: K Venugopal Nair v Manager, Canara Bank
The Kerala High Court directed the Trans Union CIBIL Ltd, a credit rating agency, to ensure that the requisite Credit Rating was given to the petitioner since he had no subsisting loans and the earlier loan account had been fully closed.
The petitioner approached the High Court to restore his Credit Rating despite no subsisting loans pending. His Credit Rating remained very low despite no subsisting loans.
Justice Devan Ramachandran has directed Trans Union Cibil Limited to consider the reports submitted by the Canara Bank regarding the closure of the loan account and to take a decision on the Credit Rating of the petitioner within three weeks. Further, the Court directed the Trans Union Cibil Limited to ensure the petitioner was given sufficient Credit Rating.
“The third respondent will ensure that the requisite “Credit Rating” is given to the petitioner and reflected in the online portal within the afore time frames", said the Court.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 202
Case title: Dr Abdul Rasheed V State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has observed that the Vigilance Manual is not a statute and was not enacted by the legislature. Thus, it held that mere non-compliance with the Vigilance Manual's directions for investigating officers would not vitiate an investigation.
The petitioner was an Assistant Surgeon at Kerala Health Services and was alleged to have committed an offence of criminal misconduct by a public servant under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He alleged that the investigation was conducted by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) without complying with the directions of the Vigilance Manual.
Justice K Babu stated that there was no prejudice caused to the petitioner due to non-compliance with Vigilance Manual directions.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 203
Case title: University of Calicut v Ameen Rashid K P
The Kerala High Court stated that a University cannot assume the role of the College Principal to cancel a student's admission on the allegation of lack of attendance. It stated that the role of the university was only supervisory.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen observed thus:
“As observed earlier, the University's role in private College is to the limited extent to ensure that University regulations are followed or not. The University cannot assume the role of Principal and direct the College Principal to act on their direction. Absolutely there is no merit in this writ appeal.”
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 204
Case Title: Dr. MV Narayanan v. The Chancellor, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit and ors.
The Kerala High Court has dismissed the appeal of Dr. M. V. Narayanan, Vice Chancellor of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit against an order of the single judge bench refusing to vacate the order passed by the Chancellor of the university removing the appellant as Vice Chancellor.
A division bench of Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Kauser Edappagathstated that “we are of the view that the impugned order of the learned Single Judge insofar as it is adverse to the appellant herein does not warrant any interference”.
A single judge bench of Justice Mohammed Nias CP had previously refused to grant a stay of operation, reasoning that as only one name had been forwarded by the selection committee, it is not only in violation of 7.3 of UGC Regulations, 2018 but also the ratio established in Rajasree's case.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 205
Case title: Sheeba C K v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court has stated that a Scheduled Caste Community Certificate cannot be denied to a child born out of an inter-religious marriage merely because her father was a Christian and did not convert to the Hindu Community.
The mother of the child belonged to the Pulaya community and approached the High Court against the non-issuance of a community certificate to her minor daughter for educational purposes.
Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that the indignities humilities and the social handicaps faced by a member of a particular community should be the determinative factor to grant or refuse the caste certificate of that community.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 206
Case title: Binu @ Kari Binu V State of Kerala & Connected Cases
The Kerala High Court upheld rigorous life imprisonment imposed upon four accuseds 1 to 4 (Sijith alias Rajan, Arun alias Gabri, Vineeth alias Picha, Arun Mali alias Aneesh) for the offence of murder of CITU worker Sunil Babu due to gang rivalry.
The Court also set aside the conviction of rigorous life imprisonment imposed upon accuseds 5 to 8 (Binu alias Kari Binu, Saju alias Kallan Saju, Saji alias Pori Saji, Suresh alias Kopra Suresh) for criminal conspiracy to murder due to lack of evidence.
The accused persons allegedly murdered the deceased Sunil Babu on December 13, 2015, due to gang rivalry.
The Division Bench comprising Justice P B Suresh Kumar and Justice Johnson John set while upholding the conviction against accuseds 1 to 4 and setting aside the conviction against accused 5 to 8 stated thus:
“Therefore, while confirming the conviction and sentence imposed against accused Nos. 1 to 4 for the offences punishable under Sections 341 and 302 r/w Section 34 IPC, the conviction and sentence passed against them for the offences under Sections 120B and 326 IPC are set aside. The conviction and sentence passed against accused Nos. 5 to 8 under Section 120B IPC is also set aside and they are acquitted under Section 235(1) Cr.P.C. They shall be set at liberty forthwith, if not required in any other cases.”
Case Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 207
Case Title: Rajini and anr. v. Seetha and ors.
The Kerala High Court has stated that the final decree court in a suit for partition, has the jurisdiction to deal with the excess extent of land found in possession of parties, along with the extent specified in their title deed.
A single judge bench of Justice C Jayachandran clarified that “it is well-nigh within the powers of the final decree court to deal with the excess extent of land found in the possession of the parties, along with the extent covered by their title deed”.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 208
Case title: P Sreenivasan v Babu Raj & Connected Case
The Kerala High Court has held that the Appellate Court has the statutory discretion to either order a deposit or waive the deposit of the fine or compensation amount under Section 148 of the Negotiable Instruments Act. The Court clarified that since the Appellate Court would be exercising statutory discretion, it would be legally obliged to give reasons for either ordering a deposit or waiving the deposit of fine or compensation amount.
While hearing an appeal against conviction for cheque dishonour under Section 138, the Appellate Court may under Section 148 direct the appellant to deposit a minimum of 20% of the compensation or fine amount as awarded by the Trial Court.
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 209
Case title: Vimalakumari M K v State of Kerala
The Kerala High Court directed the disbursal of pensionary benefits to a woman who retired in 2013, stating that she had not committed any fraud even though issues regarding her caste status were pending before the Court.
The Division Bench comprising Justice A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Shoba Annamma Eapen stated that the pension cannot be denied to the petitioner due to the delay on the part of the State in conducting an inquiry to ascertain whether she belonged to the Moger community or not.
“Pension is a savings of an employee, that can be deprived only in accordance with the procedure established by law or when it is shown that the employment itself has obtained by playing fraud. In the light of the factual situation as above, we cannot hold that any fraud has been committed by the petitioner, though her status as a member of moger community, is set to be retained by this Court.”
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 210
Case Title: Rkec Projects Limited Vs The Cochin Port Trust, The Office Of Chief Engineer And Another.
The matter pertained to an arbitral award for which the time allotted lapsed on 28.2.2022. However, the award was not rendered until 6.5.2023, without any formal extension of the tribunal's mandate.
The High Court held that the termination of the arbitrator's mandate does not strip the Court of its authority to consider applications for extension under Section 29A(3) and (4). Rather, the termination is contingent upon the Court's power to extend the mandate, as provided by the Arbitration Act. The High Court held that it has jurisdiction to extend the time for passing the award even after its issuance, provided there exist sufficient grounds for such an extension.
The High Court found that the circumstances surrounding the COVID period, as stated in the interlocutory applications, constituted sufficient cause to justify an extension of the time for passing the award until 6.5.2023. Thus, the High Court affirmed its authority to intervene and extend the time limit even after the issuance of the award.
