Kerala High Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Seeking CBI Probe Into Former ADM Naveen Babu's Death

The Kerala High Court has refused to entertain a public interest litigation moved by a social activist seeking CBI probe into the death of former ADM Naveen Babu, stating that there is another writ petition moved by the wife of the deceased which is already under the Court's consideration. Recently, Manjusha, wife of deceased Naveen Babu had moved a petition before the High Court seeking CBI probe into his death alleging a possibility of homicidal hanging. A single bench of the High Court has directed the investigating officer to produce the case diary and to file a statement regarding the investigation. The writ petition is posted for hearing in the first week of December. Stating that the wife's plea seeks similar relief, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S Manu disposed of the PIL.“We are informed by the state that the wife of the deceased has already moved this Court for the same relief. In thereof, not necessary to entertain a public interest litigation as the matter is already seized before this Court in another writ petition. The PIL is accordingly disposed of.”Naveen Babu was found hanging in his official quarters at Kannur on the morning on 15/10/2024. On the preceding his death, during his farewell, CPM Member and former Kannur Panchayat President, P.P. Divya reportedly made remarks against the ADM implicitly hinting that the ADM accepted a bribe to give approval for a petrol pump. It is also alleged that Divya invited local Television channel to cover this event with an intent to publicly humiliate Naveen Babu. Divya is currently being investigated for abetting his suicide and is out on bail. The Special Investigation Team is currently investigating the case.The PIL was filed alleging that there was a delay in lodging the FIR and informing the family about the death of Naveen Babu. It is also alleged that the police assumed that Naveen Babu committed suicide, even before conducting the inquest and autopsy. Further, it is alleged that inquest was performed in the absence of relatives of the deceased. The petitioner further alleges that there is a chance that witnesses will be intimidated and threatened if the investigation is being conducted by the police, due to the political power of the accused. The petitioner stated that any citizen can approach the Court seeking justice when the investigation is not being done properly. The plea was moved by Advocates N D Arun Das, M C Chithrakala, P K Pretheep Kumar, A LijimonCase Number: WP (C) 41976/2024 Case Title: Muraleedharan Koncherillam v State of KeralaCitation: 2024 LiveLaw (Ker) 759

Kerala High Court Refuses To Entertain PIL Seeking CBI Probe Into Former ADM Naveen Babu's Death

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