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

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. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 455]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...

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

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. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 456]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)...

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

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...

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

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 observed:"the controversy solely lies in the correctness of the content of the question and answer, which is to be decided based...

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

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....

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

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...

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

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. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 457]Priyadarschini scheme is a scheme launched by the State government which provides free travel for women and transgender persons in ordinary Kerala State...

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.The CJI was scheduled to be present in Kerala for the inauguration but joined the event virtually due to the flood...

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

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. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 450]The brawl happened on March 13, 2015 when the LDF legislators staged a protest to prevent the then Finance Minister, late K.M. Mani, from presenting the budget and sought his resignation amid bar...

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

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...

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

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. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 454]Justice Murali Purushothaman held:“Once a building plan is approved by the Secretary of the Panchayat, it forms part of the records relating to...

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

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. [2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 452]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...