High Court
Kerala High Court
Ernakulam
The Kerala High Court was established in 1956. It has jurisdiction over the state of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
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News & Updates Published
Order
FIR Ordered Against Pinarayi Vijayan, Veena Thaikkandiyil and Mohammed Riyas in CMRL-Exalogic Case: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court on October 9, 2026, directed the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to register an FIR in the CMRL-Exalogic case involving former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter Veena Thaikkandiyil and his son-in-law Mohammed Riyas. Justice A. Badharudeen passed the order on a…
Order
Alleged Elbow Hit on Woman’s Chest Insufficient to Establish Intent to Outrage Modesty, Man Acquitted: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has acquitted Rajendran in a molestation case dating back to 2002, setting aside his conviction and sentence under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Justice Jobin Sebastian passed the order on September 30, 2026, while allowing Criminal Revision Petition No. 481 of 2007. The case arose…
Order
Police Directed to Strictly Enforce Public Smoking Ban and Conduct Awareness on Passive Smoking: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation seeking strict enforcement of the legal ban on smoking in public places across Kerala. The petition was filed by Prof. Monamma Kokkad in WP(PIL) No. 195 of 2026, decided on October 7, 2026. The petitioner argued that directions issued by the High Court…
Order
Notaries Act Protection Unavailable for Forged Attestation in Signatory’s Absence: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition filed by P. Imbichi Koya, a 67-year-old advocate and Kerala State Notary, seeking to quash criminal proceedings against him in a vigilance case involving an allegedly forged consent letter linked to a building permit. Justice A. Badharudeen passed the order on September…
Order
498A Case Against In-Laws Retained Over Allegations of Calling Daughter-in-Law a ‘Servant’ and ‘Cancer in Their Life’: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against Sreejith MS, the fourth accused in a matrimonial cruelty case, while refusing to end the case against his parents, Sasi MR and Shantha P.A. The order was passed by Justice G. Girish on 5 October 2026. The case arose from Crime No.64/2022 of Chottanikkara…
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20-Year Jail Term Upheld for Man Convicted of Repeated Sexual Assault on 12-Year-Old Niece: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a criminal appeal challenging the conviction and sentence of the accused in a POCSO case tried by the Fast Track Special Court, Wadakkanchery. The case arose from Crime No. 977/2021 of Pazhayannur Police Station, Thrissur. The accused was convicted by the Special Court on 25.06.2024…
Judgment
Preventive Detention of BJP Councillor Sugathan R Quashed Over Procedural Lapses Under KAAPA: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has set aside the preventive detention of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation Councillor Sugathan R under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007 (KAAPA), finding serious procedural lapses in the detention process. The petition was filed by his wife, Aswathi G R, challenging…
Judgment
Disability Does Not Extinguish Husband’s Duty to Maintain Wife, Kerala HC Upholds ₹10,000 Monthly Maintenance: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed R.P.F.C. No. 122 of 2024 and upheld an order directing the petitioner to pay ₹10,000 per month as maintenance to the respondent. The case arose from M.C. No. 137 of 2019 before the Family Court, Kottayam at Ettumanoor. The petitioner and respondent married on 1 August 2015. It was…
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Wife Declared Exclusive Owner of Jointly Registered Property, Husband Directed to Vacate House Within Three Months: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has declared Raslin the exclusive owner of a 2.8 Ares (7 cents) property and the building standing on it, in a matrimonial dispute involving her husband Shamsheer Kurudan Candy. The judgment was delivered on 26 September 2026 in Mat.Appeal Nos.84 and 581 of 2022. Raslin had claimed that her…
Judgment
YouTuber Thoppi Granted Anticipatory Bail, Kerala High Court Notes No Obscene or Sexually Coloured Remarks Were Directly Made by Him: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Muhammed Nihad @ Thoppi in a case registered by Manjeri Police in Malappuram district over alleged objectionable remarks and the unauthorised display of a woman's photographs and videos during a YouTube livestream. The order was passed by Justice Dr. Kauser…
Order
Mere Relationship With Husband’s Family Insufficient for Domestic Violence Proceedings Without Proof of Shared Household: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has quashed proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 against two persons who were arrayed as the fourth and fifth respondents in a domestic violence case before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-IV, Kozhikode. The petitioners, who were the brother-in-law…
Order
Flag Insult Case Against Lakshadweep Man Quashed, Accidental Display of 'Saffron Down' Without Intent Not an Offence: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against Mohammed Kasim H.K., who was accused of insulting the Indian National Flag by sharing a photograph in which the saffron band appeared at the bottom. Justice A. Badharudeen held that the prosecution material did not indicate that the flag had been displayed…
Judgment
Preventive Detention of BJP Councillor Sugathan R Quashed Over Procedural Lapses Under KAAPA: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has set aside the preventive detention of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation Councillor Sugathan R under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007 (KAAPA), finding serious procedural lapses in the detention process. The petition was filed by his wife, Aswathi G R, challenging…
Judgment
Disability Does Not Extinguish Husband’s Duty to Maintain Wife, Kerala HC Upholds ₹10,000 Monthly Maintenance: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed R.P.F.C. No. 122 of 2024 and upheld an order directing the petitioner to pay ₹10,000 per month as maintenance to the respondent. The case arose from M.C. No. 137 of 2019 before the Family Court, Kottayam at Ettumanoor. The petitioner and respondent married on 1 August 2015. It was…
Judgment
YouTuber Thoppi Granted Anticipatory Bail, Kerala High Court Notes No Obscene or Sexually Coloured Remarks Were Directly Made by Him: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to Muhammed Nihad @ Thoppi in a case registered by Manjeri Police in Malappuram district over alleged objectionable remarks and the unauthorised display of a woman's photographs and videos during a YouTube livestream. The order was passed by Justice Dr. Kauser…
Judgment
Bar Council Directed to Update List of Advocates Who Have Not Cleared AIBE Since 2021: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has directed the Bar Council of Kerala to update its list of advocates from 2021 onwards in relation to compliance with the All India Bar Examination (AIBE). The direction was issued by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V. M. on 23rd September, 2026. The…
Judgment
Domestic Violence Case Cannot Be Quashed Merely Due to Delay: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Mathews Wilson and Gracy Wilson, seeking to quash proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 pending before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-III, Thrissur. Mathews Wilson, aged 43, is the husband of Anu Mol, aged 38, while…
Judgment
Consensual Relationship Cannot Constitute an Offence Due to Failed Promise of Marriage, FIR Quashed: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court considered a case involving Zahid Shanavas, who was the sole accused in Crime No. 219 of 2026 of Vazhakkulam Police Station, Ernakulam. The case concerned allegations that he had sexual intercourse with the de facto complainant after promising to marry her and later asked her to abort a child…
Judgment
Married Woman Voluntarily Accompanying Man to Hotel Cannot Claim Sexual Relationship Was Induced by Promise of Marriage: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court at Ernakulam has quashed an FIR and all further proceedings against Habibur Rahman, the sole accused in a case registered at Kovalam Police Station. The case alleged that he promised to marry the de facto complainant, took her to a hotel on 3 November 2025, and had sexual intercourse with her…
Judgment
Love Relationship Has No Relevance When Victim Is a Minor, 10-Year POCSO Sentence Upheld: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed the criminal appeal filed by Reji and upheld his conviction and sentence in a case involving the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl. Justice A. Badharudeen delivered the judgment on September 1, 2026, holding that an alleged love relationship or consensual sexual activity has no…
Judgment
NIA Cannot Recover Salary Paid to Public Prosecutor During Deputation Based on Subsequent Pay Re-Fixation: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has delivered a significant verdict stating that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) cannot recover salary paid to a Public Prosecutor during his deputation period based on a subsequent pay re-fixation. The court observed that the pay fixed at the time of deputation and the subsequent…
Judgment
Christian Women Allowed to File Divorce Cases Where They Currently Reside: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has held that a Christian wife seeking dissolution of marriage can file her divorce petition before the District Court or Family Court having jurisdiction over the place where she is residing when the petition is filed. The Court clarified that this remains possible even if the marriage was…
Judgment
Reporting an Official Arrest Without Defamatory Intent Cannot Attract Criminal Case: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has quashed criminal defamation proceedings against the Chief Editor, Editor and Reporter of Malayala Manorama, holding that merely reporting an official arrest on the basis of an official occurrence report does not automatically amount to criminal defamation. The Court emphasised that the…
Judgment
Placing a Vibrating Device on a Minor Victim's Vaginal Opening Constitutes Penetrative Sexual Assault: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed an appeal filed by a man convicted of sexually assaulting a minor girl in Ernakulam in 2019. The court confirmed the 10-year rigorous imprisonment awarded by the Fast Track Special Court, Perumbavoor, and upheld the conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences…
Order
Consensual Sexual Intercourse Without An Element Of 'Misconception Of Fact' Not Rape: Kerala High Court
Court Quashes Proceedings Under IPC Section 376 and Section 90 in False Promise of Marriage Case Kerala High Court has recently delivered a significant judgment quashing criminal proceedings under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), citing a false promise of marriage. The case, Crl.M.C.Nos.9538, 9546 & 9561 of…
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Tax Effect In Appeals Below Monetary Limit Of Rs.1 Crore: Kerala High Court Dismisses Dept's Appeal
Kerala, July 16, 2024: In a significant ruling, the Kerala High Court has upheld the tax exemption for a charitable trust under Section 12AA of the Income Tax Act, 1961. This decision brings clarity to the contentious issue of the taxability of additional fees collected by educational institutions. Case Background:…
Order
Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals Not Mute Spectators, Can Seek Second Opinion To Determine Authenticity Of Disability Certificate: Kerala High Court
Ernakulam, Kerala – The High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam, presided over by The Honourable Mr. Justice V.G. Arun, delivered a significant judgment on July 12, 2024, concerning a motor accident claim appeal. The case highlights the importance of accurate disability assessment and just compensation under the Motor…
Order
No Offence Of Bigamy If Second Marriage Is Performed During Subsistence Of Ex-Parte Divorce Decree Which Is Later Set Aside: Kerala High Court
In a significant ruling, the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam has quashed proceedings against Joy Joseph, Beena Joy, and Vivek Joy under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case involved allegations of bigamy following a marriage solemnized by Vivek Joy, despite the existence of a prior marriage. The…
Order
'Sexual Gestures' Of Accused Must Be Discernible From FIR, Final Report Or Other Material: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has quashed a case against Arun S., who was accused of performing sexual gestures in public that degraded the dignity of women, under Section 119(1)(a) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011 (Kerala Police Act). Case Details: Petitioner: Arun S. Respondent: State of Kerala Court Order Analysis: The court…
Order
Woman's Partner In Live-In Relationship Cannot Be Prosecuted For Offence Of Cruelty U/S 498A IPC: Kerala High Court
In a significant ruling, the High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam has quashed all further proceedings in a criminal case involving allegations under Section 498(A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case, Crl.M.C No. 2654 of 2024, arose from Crime No. 939/2023 registered at Quilandy Police Station, Kozhikode. Details of…
Order
"Bench Hunting" Shakes Faith In Justice System, Court Dismisses Third Bail Plea Of NDPS Accused: Kerala High Court
In a recent judicial order under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the High Court of Kerala has dismissed a bail application filed by Lijin, the third accused in Crime No.1766/2023 of Attingal Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram. The case involves allegations under Sections 22(c) and 29 of the…
Order
Can Counsel Not Designated As Senior Make Submissions Before Court Without Vakalatnama: Kerala High Court
In a recent development, the High Court of Kerala, comprising Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S. Manu, deliberated on a significant procedural matter. The case revolved around a writ petition filed by Sherly Albert, aged 56, residing at Flat No. 6B2, National Residency, Bank Junction, Edappally, Kochi,…
Order
SARFAESI Act, Nature Of Secured Asset Continues To Remain Same Even After Being Purchased By Secured Creditor: Kerala High Court
A secured creditor who purchases a secured asset at auction can still use the SARFAESI Act to take possession. SARFAESI Act (Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002): This act empowers banks and financial institutions to recover loans through enforcement of…
Order
Penalty U/S 31 Domestic Violence Act Though Confined To 'Protection Orders', Can Be Imposed Where Such Order Is In Addition To Residence Order: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has ruled that an order restraining a spouse from dispossessing their partner from a shared household can be considered a protection order under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (DV Act). This decision provides crucial protection for women facing domestic violence and…
Order
POCSO Act Often Misused To Settle Personal Scores, Even In Matrimonial Disputes False Accusations Made To Deny Custody To Father: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has dismissed charges against a man accused of violating the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in a case involving an alleged obscene gesture towards a minor. Highlights of the Case: Accused: Rahul Menon (name changed) Charges: Section…
Order
Section 302 IPC, Long Lasting Provocation Not 'Sudden Provocation': Kerala High Court Upholds Framing Of 'Murder' Charge Against Accused In Dr Vandana Das Case
Kerala High Court recently upheld the charge against the accused under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in a shocking case involving the brutal murder of a young doctor, Dr. Vandana Das, at a hospital in Kollam. The court's detailed order provides a harrowing account of the incident and the legal reasoning…
Delay in Challenging Family Court Orders in Matrimonial Disputes Can Be Fatal as Parties May Alter Their Marital Status: Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court has observed that delay in challenging orders passed by Family Courts in matrimonial disputes, particularly in matters relating to dissolution of marriage, can be fatal because parties may alter their marital status after the expiry of the appeal period. The Court emphasized that great care and…
About the Kerala High Court
The Kerala High Court was established in 1956. It has jurisdiction over the state of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Seat
Ernakulam
State / UT
Kerala
Region
South India
