Kerala CM Reviews Cases Against Delhi Protest Supporters After Vijayan's Demand
Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has directed the state Home Department to examine the demand for withdrawal of cases registered against individuals who participated in protests in solidarity with students at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The order came after Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a letter demanding unconditional withdrawal of all such cases in Kerala.
The Chief Minister's Office confirmed on Tuesday that the letter has been forwarded to the Home Department for further consideration. Police sources indicated that the exact number of cases registered across the state is unclear, but most involve bailable offences such as unlawful assembly or gathering in public places without permission.
The protests in Delhi, which began over issues related to student welfare, saw supporters in several states, including Kerala, hold demonstrations. The cases in Kerala were registered for alleged violations of public order laws during these solidarity gatherings.
Vijayan, in his letter, argued that the protests were peaceful expressions of solidarity and that the cases amounted to curbing democratic dissent. The government's response, through the Home Department review, will determine whether the cases are withdrawn or pursued further.
This development reflects the ongoing political discourse in Kerala over the balance between maintaining public order and permitting peaceful protest, a constitutional right.
