The Kerala High Court has made it clear that drug offences will not be taken lightly as a five-judge Bench examines whether even possession of small quantities can justify branding offenders as “goondas” under KAAPA. The ruling could reshape how repeat drug offences are treated, with the Court stressing deterrence, rehabilitation, and protection of the next generation.
The Kerala High Court questioned whether an unmarried man having multiple consensual sexual relationships can be a ground to deny bail to Rahul Mamkootathil in a rape case. The Court asked the prosecution to clarify whether the alleged incident was consensual or forced, and reserved its order on his anticipatory bail plea.
The Kerala High Court, while hearing bail pleas in the Sabarimala gold theft case, suggested that the State enact a special law with penal provisions to protect Devaswom and temple properties. The Court said existing manuals only lead to disciplinary action and are not enough to curb repeated misappropriation of temple assets.
The Kerala High Court will hear appeals filed by Martin Antony and two other convicts challenging their conviction in the actress abduction and sexual assault case on February 4, 2026. The convicts were sentenced to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment by a trial court, and Antony has sought acquittal and suspension of sentence pending appeal.