Kerala High Court Allows Life Convict To Pursue LLB Course; Permits Admission Through Online Mode

The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the authorities of the KMCT Law College to complete the admission process to the 3-Year LL.B. Course in online mode, for a convict serving life imprisonment at Open Prison and Correctional Home, Cheemeni, Kannur. 

The Division Bench comprising Dr. Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Dr. Justice Kauser Edappagath directed the wife of the convict to be physically present at the College at 12.00 noon today, with all the necessary documents, and to render the fees. The Court further directed the petitioner to appear through video conferencing link, so as to complete the admission formalities within the stipulated time. 

The 46 year old life convict was sentenced for various offences punishable under Sections 143 ('punishment for unlawful assembly'), 148 ('rioting, armed with deadly weapon'), 341 ('punishment for wrongful restraint'), 307 ('punishment for attempt to murder'), and 302 ('punishment for murder') of IPC, and has already undergone 5 years of imprisonment. 

The convict, who is a B.A. Graduate, had successfully completed M.A. (Sociology) from Indira Gandhi National Open University, while undergoing his sentence. During this time, he expressed his desire to continue his academic pursuit, and appeared for entrance examination for LLB, and secured admission at the KMCT Law College, Malappuram. He thus sought bail so as to complete his admission procedure, and for pursuing the course. 

Upon the instructions of the Court, the Principal of KMCT Law College appeared and submitted that the admission process could be completed through online mode, and added that necessary arrangements would be made for the said purpose. It was added that the aspect of the petitioner pursuing the course through online mode would be deliberated upon by the College authorities and informed to the Court by the next date of posting. 

Advocate Nandagopal S. Kurup submitted that petitioner's wife could be physically present at the College to submit the documents and pay the fees. 

On these grounds, the Court directed the admission formalities of the petitioner to be done through online mode at 12.00 noon today. The Jail Superintendent was also directed  to consult with the Principal of the Law College to make the necessary arrangements for the videoconference. 

The matter has been posted for further consideration on October 25, 2023. 

Public Prosecutor E.C. Bineesh appeared on behalf of the State. 

Case Title: Pattakka Suresh Babu v. State of Kerala 

Case Number: CRL.M.APPL.NO.3/2023 IN CRL.A NO.740 OF 2018

Click Here To Read/Download The Order