Nominal Index

X v. X and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 448

Tharun Moorthi and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 449

A.T. George v. State of Kerala and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 450

Peter T.V v District Police Chief, 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 451

Jaseela C v Sriram Venkittaraman and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 452

P. Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 453

Joseph Palackatharayil Varughese v. The Public Information Officer and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 454

ESI Corporation v. Mohandas, 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 455

X v. Union of India and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 456

Akhila P.R and Anr. v State of Kerala and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 457

M/S Hotel Palace Inn, Angamaly v Town Brethren Assembly, 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 458

BRD Finance Ltd. v Santhosh P and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 459

Ahamed Junaid P.S. v. Union of India and Anr., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 460

K.B. Sumod v. State of Kerala and Ors. & Narayanankutty K. and Ors. v. The Cochin Devaswom Board and Ors., 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 461

Judgments/ Orders This Week

'To Preserve Confidence In Justice', Kerala High Court Transfers Family Court Case Over Litigant's Apprehension Of Bias

Case Title: X v. X and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 448

The Kerala High Court recently permitted a case to be transferred from one Family Court to another after a litigant raised an issue of bias.

Justice Mohammed Nias C.P. reserved opinion regarding the correctness of the allegation and observed that the case is being transferred only with a view to preserve the litigant's faith in the judiciary.

Mohanlal-Starrer 'Athimanoharam' Can't Be Shot Inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala High Court Told

Case Title: Tharun Moorthi and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 449

The Kerala High Court on Monday (August 17) disposed of a plea preferred by the makers of the Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam film 'Athimanoharam' seeking a direction to the Forest Department officials to consider their request to permit film shooting in Pamba and Sannidhanam.

The Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar yesterday took note of the submission made by the Special Government Pleader for Forests that the Deputy Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve (Periyar Wildlife Division), had rejected the request.

2015 Kerala Assembly Ruckus: High Court Quashes Criminal Case Against Former Congress MLA A.T. George

Case Title: A.T. George v. State of Kerala and Anr.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 450

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (August 18) quashed the criminal proceedings against former Congress MLA A.T. George in the 2015 Kerala Legislative Assembly Ruckus case.

Justice C.S. Dias noted that a coordinate Bench had already quashed the proceedings against the other accused in the case, including Congress MLAs M.A. Vaheed [1st accused], Dominic Presentation, and K. Sivadasan Nair.

Pendency Of Criminal Case No Ground To Deny Police Clearance Certificate: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Peter T.V v District Police Chief

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 451

The Kerala High Court has held that a police clearance certificate under Section 59 of the Kerala Police Act, 2011 need not be denied to a person merely due to pendency of a criminal case. It added that a certificate can be issued by incorporating a statement regarding the involvement of the applicant in the crime.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued the order in a petition seeking directions for issuance of a Police clearance certificate.

2019 Rash Driving Case: Kerala High Court Defers Trial Against IAS Officer Sriram Venkitaraman To Facilitate Appointment Of Special Prosecutor

Case Title: Jaseela C v Sriram Venkittaraman and Anr.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 452

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (18 August) deferred trial proceedings in the 2019 rash driving case against IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman, for a period of one month.

Justice C.S. Dias passed the order in a petition filed by widow of journalist K.M. Basheer who was killed when a vehicle allegedly driven by Venkitaraman ran over him at high speed, at Museum Junction in Thiruvananthapuram in 2019.

Actress Rape Case: Kerala High Court Closes Dileep's Plea Alleging Media Trial After Probe In All 5 Cases Completed

Case Title: P. Gopalakrishnan alias Dileep v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 453

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (August 18) closed the plea preferred by actor Dileep seeking action against Indo-Asian News Channel Private Limited/Reporter TV for allegedly publishing trial details relating to the 2017 Actress Assault case.

When the matter came up before Justice Jobin Sebastian today, Dileep's counsel told that the purpose of the plea has been served after the investigating agency filed final reports in all 5 crimes.

Approved Building Plan Not 'Personal Information', Can Be Disclosed To RTI Applicant: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Joseph Palackatharayil Varughese v. The Public Information Officer and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 454

The Kerala High Court has held that a building plan approved by a local body would not constitute 'personal information' as per the Right to Information Act (RTI Act) and can, therefore, be disclosed to an RTI applicant.

Justice Murali Purushothaman delivered the judgment.

Failure To Follow Binding Precedents Gives Rise To Substantial Question Of Law In ESI Act Appeals: Kerala High Court

Case Title: ESI Corporation v. Mohandas

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 455

The Kerala High Court recently held that a failure to follow binding precedents by the Employees' Insurance courts would give rise to a substantial question of law in ESI appeals.

The Bench of Justice S. Manu held:

“the EI Court has not analysed the dispute in tune with the law laid down in the judgment referred above and hence the impugned judgment cannot be sustained. Failure to follow the law laid down in the binding judgments give rise to a substantial question of law…”

Christian Women Can File For Divorce At Their Place Of Residence: Kerala High Court

Case Title: X v. Union of India and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 456

In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has held that as per Section 3 of the Divorce Act, Christian women can file for divorce in their places of residence.

The Division Bench of Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preeta A.K. was considering an appeal filed by a wife after the Single Bench rejected her plea seeking a declaration that Section 3(3) of the Divorce Act ought to be read in a manner so that jurisdictional courts for filing petitions under the Act would also include the court within whose territorial limits the wife resides.

'Speculative Litigation': Kerala High Court Dismisses PIL Against Free-Bus Travel Scheme For Women, Transgender Persons

Case Title: Akhila P.R and Anr. v State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 457

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (18 August) dismissed a Public Interest Litigation against Priyadarshini free-bus scheme as “speculative litigation” and lacking material linking accidents to overcrowding.

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M dismissed the petition.

Brethren Assembly Hall Is A 'Church' Under Kerala Liquor Rules; Bar Distance Restrictions Apply: High Court

Case Title: M/S Hotel Palace Inn, Angamaly v Town Brethren Assembly

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 458

The Kerala High Court has held that an Assembly hall of the Brethren Christian denomination qualifies as a “church” under Rule 13(3) of the Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953, thereby attracting the statutory distance restriction on grant of bar licences.

A Division Bench of Justice K. Natarajan and Justice Johnson John dismissed an appeal filed by Hotel Palace Inn, Angamaly, and its managing partner, and upheld the finding of a single judge that the Town Brethren Assembly Hall at Angamaly is a church for the purposes of the Rules.

Civil Court Lacks Jurisdiction To Try Commercial Dispute Of Specified Value After Designation Of Commercial Courts: Kerala High Court

Case Title: BRD Finance Ltd. v Santhosh P and Anr.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 459

The Kerala High Court has held that once notification is issued by the State constituting sub Courts as Commercial Courts for recovery of a specified amount, the Civil Courts cannot proceed to adjudicate the matter on merits.

Justice Easwaran S was delivering the judgment in a Regular Second Appeal filed by BRD Finance Ltd. against judgments of the Munsiff Court, Chavakkad and the Sub Court, Chavakkad.

Kerala High Court Upholds Infant Vaccination Rule For ₹6,000 Maternity Benefit Under PMMVY Scheme

Case Title: Ahamed Junaid P.S. v. Union of India and Anr.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 460

The Kerala High Court recently upheld the infant vaccination as a condition for lactating mothers to get monetary benefit of Rs. 6000 for second girl child under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Scheme.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas delivered the judgment.

'Shocked': Kerala High Court Criticizes Cochin Devaswom Board For Spending ₹28 Lakh Funds On Commissioner's Comforts

Case Title: K.B. Sumod v. State of Kerala and Ors. & Narayanankutty K. and Ors. v. The Cochin Devaswom Board and Ors.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 461

The Kerala High Court recently expressed shock over the unauthorised spending of around Rs. 28 lakhs of public money by the Cochin Devaswom Board for the comforts of its Devaswom Commissioner, who bought a new car and other luxuries in violation of government norms and guidelines.

Criticising the Board, the Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar observed:

“has incurred an expenditure to the tune of Rs.28,44,313/- from the Devaswom funds within a short period for the repairs of the residential quarter, purchase of vehicle and purchase of household articles for an Officer, who was appointed on a deputation basis for a limited period, that too, violating the Rules and Regulations….”

Other Developments This Week

Kerala High Court Directs Additional Chief Secretary To Personally Appear Over Non-Compliance In Vigilance Complaint Against DGP S. Sreejith

Case Title: Dipin Edavana v State of Kerala

Case No: WP(Crl.) 1110/ 2026

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (August 18) directed the Additional Chief Secretary, Home & Vigilance Department, Minhaj Alam, IAS, to personally appear before it over the alleged non-compliance with its earlier directions in a complaint seeking a Vigilance enquiry against DGP S. Sreejith, IPS.

Justice A. Badharudeen passed the order in a writ petition challenging a compliance report submitted by the Additional Chief Secretary, Home & Vigilance Department, which had concluded that the petitioner's allegations against senior police officer S. Sreejith, IPS, were "false and vexatious."

CJI Surya Kant Inaugurates New District Court Complexes In Kerala

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Tuesday virtually inaugurated new court complexes at Irinjalakuda and Chavakkad in Thrissur district, describing the facilities as a significant step towards bringing the justice system closer to people in smaller towns and remote areas.

Kerala High Court Grants Govt 6 Weeks To Fill Up Vacancies In State Waqf Board

Case Title: Assembly of Christian Trust Services (ACTS) v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected cases

Case No: WP(PIL) 135/2026 and connected cases

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (August 19) granted 6 weeks' time to the State government to fill up the existing vacancies in the Kerala State Waqf Board.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. today recorded the submission of the Advocate General K. Jaju Babu appearing for the State that steps have already been taken to fill up the vacancies in accordance with the amended Waqf Act.

Kerala High Court Directs Vigilance Bureau To Examine Corruption Allegations In Paddy Procurement Scheme

Case Title: Adv. Arjun V.S v State of Kerala

Case No: WP(PIL) 168/ 2026

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (18 August) has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to consider a complaint alleging corruption and irregularities in the State's Decentralised Paddy Procurement Scheme (DCP) and take action in accordance with law if it finds substance in the allegations.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V. M. passed the order in a public interest litigation filed by a practicing advocate against the State of Kerala and others.

Savarkar Quiz Row: Kerala High Court Stays Suspension Of Teacher, Permits Disciplinary Proceedings To Continue

Case Title: Guruprasad Rai K. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) 27818/2026

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (August 18) stayed the suspension of the teacher, who included V.D. Savarkar's name in a quiz on freedom fighters.

The Court, however, made it clear that the disciplinary proceedings against him would continue.

Justice Viju Abraham issued the order.

Kerala High Court Directs Action Against 1157 Advocates Practicing Without Certificates Of Practice

Case Title: Amarnath Joshi Surendiran v. Secretary, Bar Council of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(PIL) No. 147 of 2026

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (August 19) directed action against around 1,157 advocates, who are practicing in the State without a valid Certificate of Practice (CoP) and without clearing the All India Bar Examination (AIBE).

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. today passed an interim order directing immediate publication of the list of these advocates on the websites of the High Court as well as the Bar Council of Kerala (BCK).

No Vigilance Probe Against DGP S. Sreejith Warranted As Of Now: Kerala High Court Told

Case Title: Dipin Edavana v State of Kerala

Case No: WP(Crl.) 1110/ 2026

The Additional Chief Secretary Home & Vigilance Department, Minhaj Alam, IAS, informed the Kerala High Court on Thursday (20 August) that no Vigilance Investigation is warranted against DGP S. Sreejith, IPS as of now.

The submissions were made before Justice A. Badharudeen who had directed for the personal appearance of the Additional Chief Secretary over the alleged non-compliance with its earlier directions in a complaint seeking a Vigilance enquiry against S. Sreejith.

Kerala High Court Issues Notice Before Admission On Plea Alleging 3 Cochin University Senate Nominees Lack Required Qualifications

Case Title: C.R. Soman and Anr. v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) 29049/2026

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (August 20) issued notice before admission on a plea challenging the nomination of 3 persons into the Senate of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas issued notice to Advocate Kabeer K.K., Anson P. Antony and Abbad Lufti A., whose nomination has been challenged by two former Senate members.

Kerala High Court Initiates Contempt Against Advocate Mathews Nedumpara For Unauthorisedly Uploading Court Proceedings On YouTube, Bars His Virtual Appearance

Case Title: Suo Motu Proceedings initiated by the High Court v. Adv. Mathews J. Nedumpara

Case No: Cont.Cas.(Crl.) No. 8 of 2026

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (August 20) issued notice to Advocate Mathews Nedumpara in suo motu criminal contempt proceedings for unauthorisedly recording and uploading court proceedings on his YouTube account.

The Court also made it clear that Advocate Nedumpara would not be permitted to virtually participate in court proceedings in the State, until further orders.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. today took notice of a report by the Registry stating that the lawyer has been uploading videos of court proceedings on Youtube, despite repeated warnings.

2003 Muthanga Land Struggle Case: Kerala High Court Suspends Sentences Of Four Convicts

Case Title: M. Geethanandan and Ors. v State of Kerala and Anr.

Case No: Crl.A 1057/ 2026

The Kerala High Court on Friday (August 21) suspended the sentences of four persons convicted in connection with the 2003 Muthanga land struggle case, involving a violent clash between police and Adivasi protesters during an eviction drive at the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad.

Justice A. Badharudeen passed the order in the criminal appeals filed by convicts, challenging their conviction and sentence. The Court had earlier orally expressed concern over the manner in which the Sessions Court recorded its finding while convicting four persons in the 2003 Muthanga land struggle case, observing that the judgment would require "thorough scrutiny".

Need Policy For Care Of Children With Chronic Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: Kerala High Court Suggests Centre-State Meeting

Case Title: Suo Motu v Represented by the Secretary

Case No: WP(PIL) 142/ 2026

The Kerala High Court has suggested a joint meeting between the Central and State Governments to formulate a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the care, rehabilitation and palliative support of children with chronic neurodevelopmental disabilities.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V. M. while hearing public interest litigation observed that both governments are stakeholders in developing an effective policy and implementation framework for the care, rehabilitation and palliative support of children with chronic neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Kerala High Court Directs State To Establish 3 New NDPS Courts By September 10 To Address High Pendency Of Cases

Case Title: Suo Motu Proceedings Initiated by the High Court v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) 29179/ 2025

The Kerala High Court on Friday (August 21) directed the State to establish three new NDPS courts at Thrissur, Palakkad, and Manjeri by September 10.

It has also directed the State to engage permanent staff for the newly established NDPS courts in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram by the said date.

The Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice C. Jayachandran today expressed concern over the delay on the part of the State government in establishing the new courts.

Kerala High Court Impleads Breast Cancer Patient In Suo Motu Case On Exorbitant Pricing Of Patented Drugs

Case Title: In Re Exorbitant Pricing of Life Saving Patented Medicines

The Kerala High Court on Friday (August 21) allowed the petition filed by a breast cancer patient who sought to be impleaded as an additional respondent in a suo motu plea raising issue of exorbitant pricing of patented breast cancer drugs.

Justice Harisankar V. Menon allowed the impleadment and posted the case to September 3 for final hearing, taking note of the Apex Court's request to expeditiously hear the matter.

Kerala High Court Issues Notice To Vigilance Director On Plea Challenging Refusal To Probe DGP S Sreejith

Case Title: Dipin Edavana v State of Kerala and Others

Case No: WP(Crl.) 1315/ 2026

The Kerala High Court on Friday (August 21) issued notice to the Director of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on a petition challenging the Government's decision declining, at this stage, to initiate a vigilance investigation into corruption allegations against DGP S. Sreejith, IPS.

Justice A. Badharudeen issued notice on the petition moved by an Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector.

Kerala High Court Suspends Life Sentence Of Former BJP Leader Padmarajan In Palathayi Rape Case

Case Title: Padmarajan @ Pappan Mash v. State of Kerala & Anr.

Case No: Crl.A No. 2327 of 2025

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (August 20) suspended the life sentence awarded to former BJP leader Padmarajan K. @ Pappan mash in the Palathayi rape case.

In November last year, the Fast Track Special Court, Thalassery (Kannur) had found him guilty of rape of a 4th standard student while he was a Malayalam teacher in the U.P. School in Palathayi.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar allowed the sentence suspension application filed by Padmarajan and enlarged him on conditional bail.