Kerala High Court Weekly Roundup: November 17 - November 23, 2025

M/S Elstone Tea Estates Ltd. v State of Kerala and Ors. and Connected cases, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 742

V. Shyamohan v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 743

Ramesh K. v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 744

Pradeep v. Station House Officer and Anr., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 745

Vellangallur Peoples Welfare Co-Operative Society Ltd. v. Union of India, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 746

Liyakhat Ali v. The Commissioner, State GST Department, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 747

Jomon Jacob and Anr. v. State Election Commission and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 748

K.N. Anand Kumar v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 749

M/s Shree Contractor v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 750

The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd v Mini Devdas and Ors. and connected cases, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 751

Jibin Shaji v Kerala Forest Department and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 752

Saleena Shaul Hameed v. The State Tax Officer, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 753

Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 754

V.M. Vinu v. State Election Commission and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 755

Lalachan V.M. v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 756

M/s Ridha Polymers v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 757

M/s Josco Fashion Jewellers v. State of Kerala, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 758

Ly Nandana and Anr. v. Union of India & Suresh Raj @ Suresh v. NIA and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 759

P.N. Radhakrishnan v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected cases, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 760

Prasad K. and Anr. v. Land Revenue Commissioner and connected case, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 761

Al. Anwarsha v. State of Kerala and Anr., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 762

Sumesh A. v. Babija Balakrishnan M., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 763

Abdul Azeez v. Union of India and Ors. and connected case, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 764

Anish Thomas v. The Addl./Joint/Deputy/Asst. Commissioner of Income Tax, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 765

State of Kerala v. Neyyattinkara P. Nagaraj and connected case, 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 766

C.R. Neelakandan v. Union of India & Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 767

Musthafa K. v. State of Kerala and Ors., 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 768

Judgments/ Orders This Week

Kerala High Court Clears Acquisition Of Tea Estate Land For Wayanad Victims' Rehabilitation; Says Compensation To Be Settled Between Companies

Case Title: M/S Elstone Tea Estates Ltd. v State of Kerala and Ors. and Connected cases

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 742

The Kerala High Court has recently disposed of a writ appeal and three connected writ petitions filed by M/s Elstone Tea Estates Ltd. and M/s Padhoor Plantations Pvt. Ltd., related to the acquisition of land for the rehabilitation of 2024 Wayanad Landslide victims under the Disaster Management Act.

The Division Bench comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Harisankar V. Menon upheld the earlier directions of a Single Judge permitting the State to take over 64.4075 hectares of plantation land for disaster rehabilitation under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, while ensuring that landowners are compensated in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act, 2013).

'Mode Of Access To Temple Not Essential Religious Practice': Kerala High Court Declines Early Opening Of Traditional Forest Route To Sabarimala

Case Title: V. Shyamohan v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 743

The Kerala High Court recently refused to allow a lawyer's plea for opening the traditional forest route (Kanana Patha) to Sabarimala ahead of the date announced by the authorities.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar observed that the deferment of opening of the Kanana Patha does not infringe upon the petitioner's fundamental right.

Kerala High Court Rejects Plea To Temporarily Shift Courtroom To Ground Floor For Diabetic Advocate, Permits Cross-Examination Via VC

Case Title: Ramesh K. v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 744

In a recent judgment, the Kerala High Court rejected a plea to temporarily shift courtroom from the 1^st floor to the ground in order accommodate a diabetic advocate, who cannot climb stairs, to conduct cross-examination in trial.

Justice C.S. Dias opined that courts must be sympathetic to the difficulties faced by advocates and practical alternatives can be devised so as not to disrupt the administration of justice.

Man Starting New Marriage For 'Greener Pasture' Won't Turn Prior Consensual Relationship Into 'Rape': Kerala High Court

Case Title: Pradeep v. Station House Officer and Anr.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 745

The Kerala High Court, in a recent judgment, held that if a man starts a new marriage in search of 'greener pasture', the same by itself, would not turn his prior, consensual sexual relationships into 'rape' as per the Indian Penal Code.

Justice G. Girish clarified that in such cases, consent for earlier sexual relationships cannot be said to have been obtained on false promise to marriage.

Income Tax Act | Co-operative Societies Not Engaged In Banking Not Entitled To TDS Exemption U/S 194A(3)(iii): Kerala High Court

Case Title: Vellangallur Peoples Welfare Co-Operative Society Ltd. v. Union of India

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 746

The Kerala High Court has held that co-operative societies not engaged in banking are not entitled to TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) exemption under section 194A (3)(iii) of the Income Tax Act.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. was dealing with a petition challenging the Constitutional validity of the proviso to section 194A(3) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which imposed a restriction, based on the gross receipts or turnover of the Societies, in the matter of exemption from the obligation to make TDS from the income as the interest on deposits.

Frozen Chicken Billed At 0% Instead Of 5% GST: Kerala High Court Directs Department To Investigate Alleged Tax Evasion

Case Title: Liyakhat Ali v. The Commissioner, State GST Department

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 747

The Kerala High Court has directed the GST Department to take action on alleged tax evasion involving frozen chicken being sold at 0% GST instead of the applicable 5%.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. recorded that the petitioner, who is a chicken meat dealer, had highlighted serious allegations of tax evasion in sale of frozen chicken in Kerala.

Inmates Of Mental Health Rehab Centre Can Vote In General Elections Unless Declared Disqualified By Competent Court: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Jomon Jacob and Anr. v. State Election Commission and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 748

The Kerala High Court recently paved way for the inmates of a mental health rehabilitation centre to vote in the ensuing 2025 general elections.

Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan rejected a plea arguing that such persons are incompetent to cast their votes according to their will.

CSR Funds Scam: Kerala High Court Allows Consolidated Bail Bonds For Accused Facing Over 1300 Cases

Case Title: K.N. Anand Kumar v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 749

The Kerala High Court recently (November 13) allowed an accused, facing over 1,300 criminal cases across the State in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Scam, to secure his release on bail by executing single district-wise surety bonds, instead of separate bonds in each case.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas delivered the judgment while allowing the petition filed by K.N. Anadakumar, who has been in judicial custody since his arrest on February 11, 2025.

Contractor Can Claim Increased GST During Work, Even If Bills Were Paid Before Rates Increased: Kerala High Court

Case Title: M/s Shree Contractor v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 750

The Kerala High Court has held that a contractor can claim increased GST (Goods and Services Tax) during work, even if bills were paid before the rate increase.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. opined that at the time of execution of the contract, the rate was only 5% and the increase took place during the execution of the work. Thus, the assessee is entitled to a differential amount of tax.

Motor Accidents | Standard Multiplier Need Not Be Applied Mechanically When Victim Dies Due To Unrelated Causes: Kerala High Court

Case Title: The Oriental Insurance Company Ltd v Mini Devdas and Ors. and connected cases

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 751

The Kerala High Court has recently clarified the appropriate multiplier to be applied for assessing the disability compensation when an injured claimant in a motor accident claims, dies from causes unrelated to the accident and injury.

The division bench comprising Justice Sathish Ninan and Justice P. Krishna Kumar delivered the judgement while considering a batch of petitions of Motor accident claims appeals.

Govt Obligated To Disclose All Statutory Restrictions On Re-Registration Of Vehicles Auctioned By It: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Jibin Shaji v Kerala Forest Department and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 752

The Kerala High Court has held that the Government and its instrumentalities have an obligation to disclose all statutory bars, restriction, or limitations on re-registration of vehicles auctioned by them.

Justice Mohammed Nias C.P. observed that the obligation of the government flows from the constitutional mandate of fairness, transparency and non-arbitrariness embedded in Articles 14 and 298 of the Constitution of India.

Cancelled GST Registration Cannot Be Restored Solely To Claim ITC Benefit U/S 16(6) CGST Act: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Saleena Shaul Hameed v. The State Tax Officer

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 753

The Kerala High Court has held that a cancelled GST registration cannot be restored solely to claim the ITC (Input Tax Credit) benefit under Section 16(6) CGST Act (Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017).

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. stated that Section 16(6) does not envisage a fresh cause of action in respect of the taxpayers, whose registration is cancelled, for getting the restoration of the registration, only for the purpose of availing the benefit of Section 16(6).

Only Officers Of Integrity Should Serve At Sabarimala: Kerala High Court Flags Pending Crime, Departmental Action Against Recent Appointee

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 754

The Kerala High Court recently highlighted the need to appoint officers of integrity and good service record for duty in the control rooms at Sannidhanam in Sabarimala.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V. and Justice K.V. Jayakumar flagged the crime and departmental proceedings pending against the recently appointed Police Controller, Sri. Krishnakumar R.

'No Preference To Celebrities': Kerala High Court Rejects Film Director's Plea To Include His Name In Voters List Ahead Of Elections

Case Title: V.M. Vinu v. State Election Commission and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 755

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (November 19) dismissed the plea filed by renowned film director, V.M. Vinu, seeking to include his name in the voters list of Kozhikode Corporation.

Vinu's counsel told Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan  that the director's name was deleted from the voters list because of political rivalry and he pleaded for the Court's indulgence. However, the Court was reluctant to entertain the plea.

Kerala High Court Decries Simultaneous Bail Pleas Before Different Courts, Mandates Undertaking In All Future Bail Applications

Case Title: Lalachan V.M. v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 756

The Kerala High Court has deprecated the practice of filing simultaneous bail applications before different courts and directed that all future bail petitions must include a mandatory undertaking confirming that no other bail plea is pending before any District court.

Justice A. Badharudeen issued the directions while considering the bail application of the Superintendent at Kochi Corporation who is accused of corruption.

Affidavit Of Cost Accountant In Personal Hearing Cannot Be Ignored When Facts Are Admitted By State Tax Officer: Kerala High Court

Case Title: M/s Ridha Polymers v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 757

The Kerala High Court has held that an affidavit by professionals, such as a cost accountant, given during a personal hearing, cannot be ignored, especially when a state tax officer admits facts referred therein.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. stated that when a professional swears an affidavit before this Court, highlighting the matters that transpired during the course of the hearing, the same cannot be simply ignored, particularly in a situation where, to some extent, there is an admission forthcoming from the part of the State Tax Officer with regard to the matters referred to in the said affidavit. Therefore, the assessee can be granted one more opportunity to be heard.

KVAT Act | Permission For Compounding Tax Cannot Be Cancelled For Suppression; Only Suppressed Turnover Can Be Taxed: Kerala High Court

Case Title: M/s Josco Fashion Jewellers v. State of Kerala

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 758

The Kerala High Court has held that under the KVAT Act (Kerala Value Added Tax Act, 2003), the assessing authority cannot cancel permission to pay tax at compounding rates for suppression in the same year it was opted, and only the suppressed turnover can be taxed at normal rates.

Justice M.A. Abdul Hakhim opined that cancellation proceedings are still pending, and the cancellation is not carried out, and the assessment is not concluded on a best judgment assessment basis. In such a case, Section 25AA(5) is applicable, and the option of compounding shall not be cancelled, and the suppressed turnover alone shall be assessed at the scheduled rate applicable to the goods. In view of Section 25AA(5), the Notices proposing to cancel the permission to pay at a compounded rate are clearly unsustainable.

Kerala High Court Denies Bail To Two Foreigners Caught On Indian Waters Aboard Srilankan Boat With Heroine, Bulk Arms

Case Title: Ly Nandana and Anr. v. Union of India & Suresh Raj @ Suresh v. NIA and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 759

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (November 19) dismissed the bail pleas of two Srilankan nationals, who were caught by the Indian Coast Guard in 2021 near Lakshadweep aboard the Srilankan fishing vessel 'Ravi Hansi' carrying 300 kg of heroine, and rifles with 1000 rounds of Pakistani ammunition. It also denied bail to the Indian citizen, who is accused of being involved in the transnational smuggling.

The Division Bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmdhikari and Justice P.V. Balakrishnan observed that since the materials collected by the investigating agency constitute a prima facie case against the accused person and the trial is set to begin in February next year, there are no grounds to grant bail to the accused.

'Over-Crowding In Guruvayur Temple Is A Civic Challenge': Kerala High Court Orders Formation Of Multi-Departmental Committee

Case Title: P.N. Radhakrishnan v. State of Kerala and Ors. and connected cases

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 760
The Kerala High Court yesterday (November 21) passed a detailed judgment outlining comprehensive guidelines for managing the high number of pilgrims that visit the Sreekrishna Temple, Guruvayur every day.

The Division Bench consisting of Justice Raja Raghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar also ordered the formation of a permanent, 7-member multi-departmental Committee including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, District Medical Officer, Devaswom Managing Committee member, Secretary of Guruvayur Municipality, Pollution Control Board Environmental Engineer, and Suchitwa Mission Co-ordinator.

Highway Authority Can't Re-Evaluate Site Suitability After Granting Provisional Permission For Petrol Pump: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Prasad K. and Anr. v. Land Revenue Commissioner and connected case

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 761

The Kerala High Court has held that the Highway Administration cannot reconsider compliance with Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at the stage of final access permission, when a valid Provisional Permission for establishment of Petroleum Retail Outlet has been issued earlier under Section 28 of the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002.

Justice M.A. Abdul Hakhim observed:

“It is not legally permissible for the Highway authorities to check the suitability of the site and access after issuance of the Provisional Permission again at the time of processing the Application for Final Permission.”

Kerala High Court Quashes Three Rape FIRs Lodged Against Youth Citing Consensual Relations, Settlement Between Parties

Case Title: Al. Anwarsha v. State of Kerala and Anr.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 762

The Kerala High Court recently quashed the criminal proceedings against a young man that was based on three rape FIRs filed by the same prosecutrix in three different districts.

Examining the facts and the records available, Justice C. Pratheep Kumar observed that the complainant went to the house of the petitioner on her own volition and that they entered into sexual relationship with consent.

Maintenance | Loan EMIs, Insurance Premiums, Savings Can't Be Deducted While Calculating Husband's Income: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Sumesh A. v. Babija Balakrishnan M.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 763

The Kerala High Court has held that payments towards loan, insurance premiums, and other savings contributions cannot be reduced for calculating the net income of the husband for the purpose of quantifying the maintenance to be paid to the wife or children.

Justice A. Badharudeen, observed:

“In fact, the above payments are to be reckoned as personal savings and those items shall not be reduced from the actual income to quantify the amount of maintenance.”

'Banks May Impose Immediate Debit Freeze On Suspicious Accounts': Kerala High Court Issues Guidelines, Asks RBI To Frame SOP

Case Title: Abdul Azeez v. Union of India and Ors. and connected case

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 764

Kerala High Court has issued a detailed set of guidelines authorising banks to temporarily freeze suspicious customer accounts, even without prior notice, while simultaneously directing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to frame a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Banks to deal with suspicious accounts.

Justice M.A. Abdul Hakhim delivered judgment while disposing of two writ petitions filed by account holders of South Indian Bank whose accounts had been frozen on the grounds of unusual transactions not matching their declared income profiles. Both petitioners claimed legitimate business activity and challenged the bank's action as arbitrary.

Assessee Missed Hearing Due To Faulty VC Link & Hearing Email Sent At 3AM: Kerala High Court Quashes CIT(A) Order

Case Title: Anish Thomas v. The Addl./Joint/Deputy/Asst. Commissioner of Income Tax

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 765

The Kerala High Court has set aside an order passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) after finding that the assessee missed the hearing due to the non-functional video-conference link (VC link) and because the hearing link was emailed at an odd hour, i.e., at 3:13 a.m. CDT (Central Daylight Time) while he was in the U.S.

Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A. stated that the assessee could not utilise the opportunities for reasons beyond his control. Therefore, the assessee can be granted another opportunity for a hearing.

Kerala High Court Expunges Special Court's Derogatory Remarks Against CM Pinarayi In Disproportionate Assets Case Against ADGP

Case Title: State of Kerala v. Neyyattinkara P. Nagaraj and connected case

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 766

The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 21) allowed the State's plea to expunge derogatory remarks made against government authorities and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by a Special Court.

The Special Court had said there is every probability of "executive intrusion" that led to favourable report against ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar in a disproportionate assets case.

Justice A. Badharudeen set aside the impugned observations.

Kerala High Court Quashes Special Judge's Order To Proceed Against ADGP Ajithkumar In DA Case, Relegates It To Pre-Cognizance Stage

Case Title: M.R. Ajithkumar v. State of Kerala and connected case

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 766

The Kerala High Court on Friday (November 21) set aside the order of the Enquiry Commissioner & Special Judge, Thiruvananthapuram that had decided to proceed against Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.R. Ajith Kumar in an alleged disproportionate assets case.

Partially allowing Ajithkumar's plea, Justice A. Badharudeen refused to quash the private complaint preferred by Nagaraj and relegated the complaint to pre-cognizance stage. This means the Special Judge can proceed further on the complaint after getting sanction.

Kerala High Court Directs FSSAI To Consider Representation On Microplastic Contamination In Bottled Drinking Water

Case Title: C.R. Neelakandan v. Union of India & Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 767

The Kerala High Court on Friday (21 November) directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to examine a representation alleging microplastic contamination in packaged drinking water.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. thus disposed of a PIL seeking judicial intervention on the issue.

Street Vendors Act Not Applicable In Panchayat Areas, No Protection Orders Can Be Passed: Kerala High Court

Case Title: Musthafa K v State of Kerala and Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Ker) 768

The Kerala High Court has held that Panchayat does not come under the definition of 'Local Authority' under Section 2(1)(c) of the Street Vendors (Protection of livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending Act.

Justice Mohammed Nias C.P., delivered the judgment in a petition filed by a street vendor seeking issuance of a certificate of vending in Thamarassery Grama Panchayat.

Other Important Developments This Week

Kerala High Court Raps State Over Lax Response To Periyar River Pollution, Says It May Have 'Catastrophic Consequences'

Case Title: Periyar Malineekarana Virudha Samithi v State of Kerala and connected Matters

Case No: WP(C) 996/ 2012 and Connected Matters

The Kerala High Court has expressed deep frustration at the "continued inaction" of both the Kerala and Central government in addressing the pollution of the Periyar river.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha noted that nearly two weeks have passed since its previous directive calling for expedited steps to set up an Effluent Treatment Plant for remediation of the river.

'Democracy Should Win': Kerala High Court Asks Election Commission To Reconsider Deletion Of Youth Congress Candidate's Name From Voter List

Case Title: Vyshna S.L. v. State Election Commission and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) 43131 of 2025

The Kerala High Court on Monday (November 17) directed the State Election Commission to decide by Wednesday (November 19) the plea of Vyshna S.L., the 24-year-old Congress candidate of Muttada Division of Trivandrum Corporation, regarding deletion of her name from the voters list.

Considering the case, Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan felt that the SEC (1st respondent) should address the grievance of the petitioner-candidate. The petitioner and the 3^rd respondent, accordingly, were directed to appear before the SEC.

'Govt Moving With Corrupt Persons': Kerala High Court Remarks As State Again Declines Sanction For CBI To Prosecute Ex-Officials Of Cashew Corp

Case Title: Kadakampally Manoj v. Mohammed Hanish

Case No: Con.Case (C) No. 908 of 2025

Third time after the Kerala government refused sanction for CBI to prosecute allegedly corrupt ex-officials of the State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC), the High Court orally slammed the government for "protecting" corrupt persons.

“Government is moving with the corrupt persons…I am inclined to write this in another judgment. This is very very contemptuous attitude. Why the government is saving two individuals? Then who are behind him? It is very pathetic state of affairs,” Justice A. Badharudeen remarked orally.

Renovation Of Padmanabhaswamy Temple Idol Must Proceed With Sanctity: Kerala High Court Awaits Sculptors' Consent

Case Title: R. Rajasekharan Pillai v. State of Kerala and Anr. and connected matter

Case No: WP(C) 7039/ 2025 and connected matter

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (19 November) directed the Administrative Committee of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple to update it on the consent of the shilpis (sculptors) and the finalisation of materials required for renovation of the temple's Moolavigraha (principal idol).

The division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha were considering a petition which alleged defects in the temple's Moolavigraha.

Kerala High Court Directs Election Commission To Take Action Against Unauthorized Flags, Banners In Wake Of Upcoming Election

Case Title: Rahul K.T. v. St. Stephen's Malankara Catholic Church

Case No: RP 1394/ 2025 in WP(C) 22750/ 2018

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (November 19) directed the State Election Commission (SEC) and the District Election Officers to monitor and to take action against unauthorized installation of banners, boards and flags put up by political parties in the State.

Justice Devan Ramachandran passed the direction while dealing with a review in a plea against illegal and unauthorized flags and banners.

Sabarimala Overcrowding: Kerala High Court Caps Spot Bookings To 5,000 Amid High Influx Of Pilgrims

Case Title: SSCR No. 37 of 2025

Case No: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala

Taking note of the high influx of pilgrims that visited Sabarimala in the last couple of days for the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, and the Special Commissioner's report concerning crowd management issues, the Kerala High Court ordered that the booking be capped at 75,000 per day from today (November 20).

The Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan and Justice K.V. Jayakumar noted that those who visited the pilgrimage through spot booking crossed 30,000 per day, much exceeding the earlier cap of 20,000.

'We Are Perplexed': Kerala High Court Flags Safety Concerns After Tribal School Relocated To Area Prone To Human-Wildlife Conflict

Case Title: Baiju Paul Mathews v/ State of Kerala and connected case

Case No: WP(C) 7858/ 2025 and connected case

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday (19 November) expressed concern over the relocation of Model Tribal Residential School, Thirunelli to premises within the Tribal Resettlement and Development Area (TRDA) near Aralam Farm, which is statedly prone to wild elephant intrusion.

The division bench comprising Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian were hearing petitions concerning the human- wildlife conflict in Wayanad and Aralam.

Kerala High Court Seeks Action Taken Report Against Vlogging Inside Driver Cabins Of Moving Buses, Heavy Vehicles

Case Title: Suo Motu v. Union of India and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) 25158/2024

The Kerala High Court recently underscored the rampant issue of contract carriages and other heavy good vehicles openly flouting the safety standards prescribed by the Central Government.

The Division Bench of Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. on Wednesday (November 19) remarked that a lot of these vehicles are not adhering to the lighting installation requirements and Code of Conduct for Bus Body Design as per the Automotive Industry Standard, namely, AIS-008 and AIS-052.

Kerala High Court Stays ECI's Order Delisting Registered Unrecognised Political Parties In State

Case Title: Kerala Congress (Skariah Thomas) v. The Chief Election Officer & Secretary and connected cases

Case No: WP(C) 42726/ 2025

The Kerala High Court on Thursday (20 November) granted interim relief to political parties that were recently delisted from the Election Commission of India's (ECI) register of Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).

Justice V.G. Arun issued an interim stay for the operation of the order of ECI that delisted them, allowing the parties' candidates to contest in the ongoing local body elections with their allotted symbols.

Kerala High Court Recommends Statewide Information Mechanism To Trace Missing Persons

Case Title: Santon Lama v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP (Crl) No. 1421/2025

The Kerala High Court on Friday (21 November) suggested a State-wide information mechanism to trace missing persons.

The division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha, were considering the habeas corpus plea filed by Santon Lama to trace out his father, Suraj Lama – stated to be missing since October 5 since his arrival in Kochi from Kuwait.

Kerala High Court Views Viral Videos Showing Unauthorized LED Lights, Cabin Videography In Buses; Orders Enforcement Drive

Case Title: Suo Motu v. Union of India and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) 25158/2024

The Kerala High Court on Friday, viewed in open court a few videos posted by vloggers on YouTube that showed unauthorized fixing of multiple strips of LED lights, flashing name boards and flickering DJ lights on heavy vehicles carrying passengers and goods.

The Division Bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S. cautioned against the dangers that these unauthorized fixings and videography in drivers' cabins can cause to passengers onboard and other road users.

Kerala High Court Initiates Suo Motu Case To Improve Mediation Centres, Appoints Amicus

Case Title: Suo Motu v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) No. 42844/2025

The Kerala High Court recently initiated a suo motu petition underscoring the need to improve mediation and alternative dispute resolution centres in the State.

Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. appointed Advocate Adarsh Kumar as amicus curiae to assist the Court while dealing with the issue.

'Fraud On People': Kerala High Court Pulls Up State For Abandoning Pizhala-Kadamakudy Bridge, Seeks Clarity On Its Status

Case Title: Alex Manavalan and Ors. v. GIDA and Ors.

Case No: WP(C) No. 30650/2024

The Kerala High Court recently pulled up the state government, questioning it about the status of construction of the Pizhala-Kadamakudy Bridge for which administrative sanction was received as early as in October 2017.

The Division Bench comprising Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian, while considering a public interest litigation preferred by the residents of Valiya Kadamakudy Island, sought clarity from the government as to whether financial sanction has been granted for the project and if not, by when it would be granted.

Kerala High Court Directs State To Draft Guidelines To Regulate Pre-Primary Childcare Institutions, Warns Delay Would Breach Its Directions

Case Title: Mehna Ibrahim v. State of Kerala

Case No: WP(PIL) No. 126/2025

The Kerala High Court, on a recent occasion, directed the State government to urgently come up with draft regulations for regulating daycare centres, creches and other pre-primary educational institutions in tune with the assurance made by it in 2021.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. was dealing with a public interest litigation preferred by a lawyer and mother of a 4-year-old child, being concerned about the lack of uniformity and regulation in the early childhood education sector in India.