The Kerala High Court, in a significant ruling on Thursday, has ordered a renewed investigation into Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian’s controversial remarks about the Constitution, which he allegedly made during a speech in July 2022. The court’s decision overturns a previous police report that exonerated Cherian and a magisterial court’s acceptance of that report.
Highlighting the rushed nature of the initial inquiry, the High Court has called for a more thorough probe by the Crime Branch of the police. This decision follows a petition that challenged the adequacy of the earlier investigation and the resultant exoneration of the minister.
Cherian’s comments had sparked widespread outrage and a considerable political uproar in Kerala, leading to intense pressure from opposition parties for his resignation. The controversy culminated in Cherian stepping down from his cabinet roles on July 6, 2022, though he was subsequently reinstated.
