Kerala High Court Orders Crime Branch Probe Into State Minister Saji Cherian's Alleged Remarks Disrespecting Constitution
The Kerala High Court has ordered investigation by crime branch into the alleged insulting remarks made against the Constitution by State's Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs, Saji Cherian.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas ordered thus in a petition moved by a lawyer against the police closing investigation against the Minister.
Reportedly, Saji Cherian in a speech in July 2022 made remarks like the Constitution is used to exploit commoners.
The plea alleges that the Minister committed an offence punishable under Section 2 of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971.
It is alleged that police filed a refer report to close the investigation without even conducting a proper and fair probe. The police had filed a report saying that charges are being dropped due to paucity of evidence.
The Court noted that the police dropped investigation before getting the forensic report on the pen drives containing the alleged speech. The Court noted that since the accused is a sitting Minister, the investigation by a Station House Officer will not suffice. Therefore, the court directed the State Crime Branch to conduct further investigation in the matter.
Detailed order is awaited
Case Number: WP (Crl) 1042/2024
Case Title: Adv. M Baiju Noel v State of Kerala