Nominal Index

State of Kerala v. X., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 611

A.V. Ramakrishna Pillai v State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 612

Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit v Archana P.S and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 613

T. N. Arun Kumar v. Ministry of Road Transparent and Highways and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 614

Mani Viswanath and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Ors., K. Krishnan Potty and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 615

Cochin Devasom Board v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 616

Suhail v. State of Kerala, Joyal S. Anto v. State of Kerala, Ninav v. State of Kerala and Ameen Shah v. State of Kerala, 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 617

Aparna Kurup v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 618

Judgments/ Orders This Week

Kerala High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Judge Whose Son Allegedly Caused Fatal Accident, Says 'He Will Cooperate'

Case Title: State of Kerala v. X.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 611

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (November 5) granted anticipatory bail to the District Judge accused in the Kochi-Mercedes Benz accident that occurred on October 25 in Cheranalloor.

Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath passed the order granting bail:

"The applicant is a serving judicial officer in the cadre of District and Sessions Judge in the State of Kerala. There is no possibility at all that he will abscond or evade the process of law. The learned Senior Counsel for the applicant submitted that the applicant is ready to cooperate with the investigation and he is ready to appear before the investigating officer as and when directed. The applicant does not have any criminal antecedents. Considering the allegations made against the applicant, his custodial interrogation seems unnecessary."

District Judges Recruited Directly From Bar With Postgraduate Law Degrees Entitled To Three Advance Increments From July 1996: Kerala High Court

Case Title: A.V. Ramakrishna Pillai v State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 612

The Kerala High Court has held that District Judges directly recruited from the Bar with a postgraduate degree in Law are entitled to three advance increments with effect from July 1, 1996, and set aside the State Government's decision to restrict the benefit prospectively.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji delivered the judgment while allowing writ appeal preferred by retired Justice A.V. Ramakrishna Pillai, a former District Judge who was subsequently elevated to the High Court.

Kerala High Court Sets Aside Interim Order Allowing 16 Suspended SFI Students Of Sanskrit University To Write Exams

Case Title: Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit v Archana P.S and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 613

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (03 November) allowed the appeal preferred by Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit challenging an interim order permitting 16 suspended students of the SFI to appear for the university examinations commencing on November 4.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. delivered the judgement.

Political Activities Like Dharna, Hunger Strikes & Satyagraha Have No Place In Constitutional Democracy: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit v Archana P.S and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 613

The Kerala High Court has observed that political activities like dharna, hunger strikes and practices like Sathyagraha have no place in a constitutional democracy, particularly in academic institutions, reiterating a 2017 precedent.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. made the observations while setting aside an interim order passed by a Single Judge allowing 16 suspended students of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, to appear for the ensuing semester examinations scheduled to commence on November 4.

Pending Pre-October 2020 Traffic Challans Cannot Be Used To Block Vehicle Registration Services: Kerala High Court

Case Title: T. N. Arun Kumar v. Ministry of Road Transparent and Highways and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 614

The Kerala High Court has held that Rule 167(7) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which prohibits registering authorities from processing certain applications when traffic challans remain unpaid beyond 90 days, operates prospectively and cannot be invoked in respect of challans issued before October 1, 2020, when the amended provision came into force.

Justice Murali Purushothaman held that applying the provision to earlier challans would amount to giving retrospective effect to a substantive provision that introduces a new restriction on vehicle owners.

Sabarimala Ghee Supply Allegations Not Enough To Supersede Milk Union Committee Without Notice: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Mani Viswanath and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Ors., K. Krishnan Potty and Ors. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 615

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (04 November) set aside the supersession of the Managing Committee of the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Ltd., and ordered the reinstatement of the elected members.

A Division Bench comprising Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preetha A.K., passed the order in an appeal against the Single Judge judgment which has dismissed the writ petition challenging the order of Director of the Diary Development Department which has superseded the elected Managing Committee.

Kerala High Court Says Dignitaries' Visits, Public Addresses At Thekkinkadu Maidan Not Prohibited

Case Title: Cochin Devasom Board v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 616

The Kerala High Court has clarified that its earlier judgment imposing restrictions on the use of Thekkinkadu Maidan in Thrissur does not prohibit public addresses by eminent dignitaries, events organised by government departments, or programmes such as Independence Day celebrations and School Youth Festivals.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar reiterated that the Cochin Devaswom Board must exercise its discretion prudently while permitting events at the Maidan, keeping in mind the interests of the deity and devotees.

Kerala High Court Grants Bail To All Four Accused In Mini Cooper Crash; Prime Accused To Be Released After 10 Days

Case Title: Suhail v. State of Kerala, Joyal S. Anto v. State of Kerala, Ninav v. State of Kerala and Ameen Shah v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 617

The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 6) granted regular bail to the four accused in the Mini Cooper Crash, which claimed the lives of three youngsters.

Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath ordered that the prime accused Suhail Sajeev, who allegedly drove the car under the influence of alcohol, can be released after 10 days. No such time period has been imposed as regards the other accused - Ninav, Ameen Shah and Joyal S. Anto, who were the passengers in the car at the time of the accident.

Kerala High Court Orders Police To Protect Journalist Facing Death Threats After Program On Islamic Scholar's Remarks On Women Rights

Case Title : Aparna Kurup v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation : 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 618

The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 6) directed the police protect the life and properties of Big TV journalist Aparna Kurup, who allegedly received death threats and cyber attacks after anchoring a channel discussion relating to a public statement made by Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musaliar on women's rights.

Justice Murali Purushothaman was informed that pursuant to an earlier interim order passed by the Court, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Ernakulam South Police Station is affording protection to the petitioner.

Other Important Developments This Week

Application Moved Before Kerala High Court Seeking Survey Of Land Occupied By AKG Centre

Case Title: R.S. Sasikumar v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case Number: WP(PIL) 12/ 2026

An interlocutory application has been filed before the Kerala High Court seeking direction to the competent authorities to measure the land in the possession of the AKG Centre for Research and Studies and the CPI(M), alleging that a substantial extent of University of Kerala property is under their occupation.

The application is moved in a public interest litigation pending before the the Court preferred by Kerala University ex-Joint Registrar, challenging the assignment of the University's land to AKG Centre for Research and Studies in the year 1977.

Kerala High Court Judge Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas Completes Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Held In Goa

Kerala High Court judge Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas has completed the world-class Ironman 70.3 held in Goa last weekend.

The contestants have to cover 70.3 miles (about 113 km), including a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling and 21.1 km half marathon race, in a single day.

Justice Bechu competed in the Males' 55-59 age category and completed the race in 8:46:44.

'Ill Inside Jail, But Can Go Abroad When Granted Bail?': Kerala High Court Questions Ex-DGP Tomin Thachankary's Plea

Case Title : Tomin J. Thachankary v. State of Kerala

Case Number : Crl.A 1239/2026

The Kerala High Court on Monday (November 2) orally questioned the plea preferred by former Director General of Police Tomin J. Thachankary seeking to go abroad to rejoin his work.

Justice A. Badharudeen orally asked:

"This is a case in which, in my knowledge, I'm not sure, the accused when he was detained in custody, he was admitted in the jail ward for 28 days. So this is his situation. How can he go abroad and do the job? I shall call for a report....So many diseases so he must get admitted in a hospital. On getting reliefs, he want to go abroad and do the job. There are absolutely contra views. How can it be justified?"

Mini Cooper Crash: Kerala High Court Seeks State's Response To Bail Application Of Accused

Case Title: Joyal S. Anto v. State of Kerala

Case Number: Bail Appl. 6643/2026

The Kerala High Court on Monday (November 2) sought the response of the State to the bail application preferred by Joyal S. Anto, the 3rd accused in the Mini Cooper Accident case that claimed the lives of three.

Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath directed the public prosecutor to get instructions and posted the case to November 10 (Tuesday).

Kerala High Court Reserves Judgment On Appeal By Sanskrit University Against Order Allowing Suspended Students to Write Examinations

Case Title: Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit v Archana P.S and Ors.

Case Number: WA 2276/ 2026

The Kerala High Court on Monday (02 November) reserved its judgment in an appeal preferred by Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit challenging an interim order permitting 16 suspended students to appear for the university examinations commencing on November 4.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishnan S. heard both the appellants and the respondents and reserved the matter for judgment.

Actress Assault Case: Survivor's Trial Court Lawyer Moves Kerala High Court Seeking Contempt Action Against Judge

Case Title: T.B. Mini v. The Hon'ble Registrar General and Ors.

Case Number: WP(C) 37581/2026

Advocate T.B. Mini, who appeared for the survivor in the 2017 Actress Assault Case, has moved the Kerala High Court seeking action against trial judge who decided the case, Smt. Honey M. Varghese.

When the matter came up, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan posted the case to November 4 for further consideration.

Actress Assault Case | How To Expunge Remarks Not Part Of Judicial Record? Kerala High Court Asks Lawyer Seeking Contempt Action Against Judge

Case Title: T.B. Mini v. The Hon'ble Registrar General and Ors.

Case Number: WP(C) 37581/2026

While hearing a petition filed by Advocate T.B. Mini, who appeared for the survivor in the 2017 Actress Assault Case, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday (November 4) orally questioned how it could expunge trial judge's alleged remarks that did not form part of the judicial record.

The petition stems from an alleged remark by trial judge Honey M. Varghese that Mini was an “absent lawyer” who had appeared in court for fewer than 10 days. Mini says she was present for more than 200 days of the trial.

"Is it part of the judicial proceedings?...From where should I expunge the remarks if it's is not there..." Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan asked while considering Mini's plea seeking contempt action against the judge.

Judiciary Is Citizens' Last Resort, Judges Must Hear Advocates Patiently: Justice K Natarajan Bids Farewell To Kerala High Court

Justice K. Natarajan of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday (04 November) said that the judges are a last resort for citizens seeking justice and hence the advocates must be heard patiently and the rights must be determined in accordance with law rather than disposing the case for statistical purpose.

The remarks were made by Justice Natarajan during the farewell address, during the Full Court Reference held at the Kerala High Court as he is retiring from office on 05 November.

Jiostar Moves Kerala High Court Challenging Halt On Release Of Webseries 'Anali' Allegedly Based On Koodathayi Murders

Case Title: Jio Star Pvt. Ltd. v. Jollyamma Joseph @ Jolly

Case Number: OP(C) 3388/ 2026

Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd. has moved the Kerala High Court challenging the halt on the release of Hotstar Webseries 'Anali' allegedly based on the Koodathayi serial murders.

The release of the series was halted based on an order of Munsiff Court, Ernakulam in an injunction suit filed by prime accused Jollyamma Joseph @ Jolly Joseph. Jolly is accused of murdering six of her family members, including her first husband Roy Thomas, using cyanide, with the motive to take control of the family property. Her trial is under progress before the Additional District Court (Special Court for Trial for Maradu Cases), Kozhikode.

Kerala High Court Asks Special Task Force To Prepare Protocol To Tackle Munnar, Vagamon Govt Land Encroachments

Case Title: One Earth One Life v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected cases

Case Number: WP(C)Nos. 1801/2010, 34095/2007, 38462/2018 & 19219/21 & Cont.Case(C)No. 989/2019

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (November 5) nominated five persons, who could form part of the Special Task Force (STF) proposed to be constituted to tackle the large-scale issue of government land encroachments in Munnar and other parts of Idukki district.

The Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji, which is dealing with Munnar matters, perused a proceedings of the government dated November 4 wherein 9 names have been suggested to be part of the task force proposed.

Microfinance Fraud Case: Kerala High Court Finds No Sanction Required To Prosecute Vellappally Natesan, Others

Case Title: M.S. Anil v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected case

Case Number: WP(C) No. 14599 of 2020 and Crl.MC No. 5539/2020

The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 6) held that no prosecution sanction as per the Prevention of Corruption Act is required to proceed against the accused persons in the ₹15.85 crore SNDP Microfinance Fraud case, including Vellappally Natesan and former MDs of Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation Ltd. (KSBCDC).

Justice A. Badharudeen passed an interim order while considering two pleas registered in 2020 seeking appointment of a Special Investigation Team headed by an efficient officer to investigate into the crime registered by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) in 2016.

"Interim order passed holding that no prosecution sanction is required," it was pronounced in open court.

The case is posted for further consideration on November 17 (Tuesday).

Kerala High Court Orally Warns To Cancel Ex-DGP Tomin Thachankary's Bail While Hearing His Plea To Go Abroad

Case Title: Tomin J. Thachankary v. State of Kerala

Case Number: Crl.A 1239/2026

The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 6) pulled up former Director General of Police Tomin J. Thachankary, who was recently convicted in a disproportionate assets case, while considering his plea to go abroad to join work.

Justice A. Badharudeen orally remarked that Thachankary claims illness when inside jail but when outside, he seems healthy enough to work abroad. It even orally warned to cancel the bail granted to the former DGP:

"If this is the condition, how can he go for the job? He has been admitted in the hospital from the date of admission till the date of release. He has not spent even one day in jail...Don't spread such lies before the Court. These type of cases would be treated very seriously. If this is the position, I may go for the option to cancel the bail also."