The Kerala High Court ordered an investigation into Minister Saji Cherian’s alleged remarks insulting the Constitution. The High Court also rejected the final police report, in which the minister was given a clean chit. The court also rejected the order of the magistrate court, in which the final police report was accepted.
The court said that shortcomings were found in the initial investigation. The investigation was completed in a hurry. In such a situation, the crime branch of the police should investigate it again. This order of the court has come on a petition requesting to continue the investigation in the case.
What did the court say?
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas on Thursday ordered the state crime branch to investigate the comments of the CPI(M) MLA and the minister of state for fisheries, culture and youth affairs in the government. The court said, ‘The court has already found that further investigation is required. Since the accused is a State Minister, this Court is of the view that investigation by the Station House Officer would not be sufficient. Therefore, further investigation should be conducted by the State Crime Branch. The State Police Chief should immediately pass an order to hand over the investigation to the State Crime Branch with an honest officer to lead the investigation. The investigation should be completed without any unnecessary delay.
What is the matter?
In 2022, Cherian found himself surrounded by controversy when he said that the Constitution of India was used to exploit the common people. His speech at a party event had created so much controversy that the MLA had to resign from the post of Minister of State for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs. In December 2022, the High Court rejected the petition seeking his disqualification as an MLA. After this, he was reinstated to the post in 2023 amid much uproar.