Daijiworld Media Network - Kochi
Kochi, Apr 28: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday took suo motu cognisance of widespread violence reported during a statewide shutdown called by Dalit organisations over the death of a student.
A division bench comprising Justices Basant Balaji and P. Krishna Kumar initiated the case after taking note of reports that at least 27 incidents had been registered across the state. The court has sought a detailed response from the state police chief.
According to officials, by Tuesday afternoon, 91 individuals had been arrested in connection with clashes, road blockades, and disruptions to public transport during the dawn-to-dusk protest.
The shutdown was organised following the death of Nithin Raj, a first-year student at Kannur Dental College. Allegations have surfaced that he died by suicide after facing caste-based harassment from faculty members.
Protesters have demanded a murder investigation, arrest of those responsible, Rs 10 crore compensation for the family, and cancellation of the college’s accreditation. Police have registered cases against two faculty members under charges related to abetment of suicide and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The High Court’s intervention carries significance, as it has previously taken a strong stance against such shutdowns, effectively prohibiting hartals and holding organisers accountable for any resulting damage or disruption.
The bench has directed the state government to submit detailed reports and scheduled the next hearing for May 1.
Beyond the immediate incident, the episode has once again brought attention to Kerala’s recurring hartals, which often disrupt daily life. While supporters view them as a form of protest, critics argue that such shutdowns hamper essential services, impact livelihoods, and infringe on public freedom.
With judicial scrutiny now underway, attention is expected to focus on both the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the violence that followed during the protests.