[Cites 0, Cited by 0]

Kerala High Court

Saji Joseph vs State Of Kerala on 10 April, 2026

                                                      2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 1

               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 13814 OF 2026

PETITIONERS:

    1     SATHEESH M.,
          AGED 38 YEARS
          S/O. CHEMMARAN, MANNATHU, MUNDANOOR, NUCHIYAD, KANNUR,
          KERALA, PIN - 670705

    2     MATHACHAN K.U.,
          AGED 61 YEARS
          S/O. ULAHANNAN, KULANGARATH, PURAVAYAL, VAYATHUR,
          ULIKKAL, KANNUR, KERALA, PIN - 670705


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
          SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
          SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
          SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
          SHRI.SREEJITH A.
          SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN




RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANNANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          CIVIL STATION, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    3     DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 2

          COLLECTORATE, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    4     STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          PARIYARAM MEDICAL COLLEGE POLICE STATION, PARIYARAM,
          KANNUR, PIN - 670503

    5     THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER,
          ELECTION DEPARTMENT, KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX, VIKAS
          BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001


          GP-SRI.AJITH VISWANATHAN.


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13831/2026, 13841/2026 AND CONNECTED
CASES, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 3


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 13831 OF 2026

PETITIONER:

          VARUGHESE MATHAI,
          AGED 60 YEARS
          VARIKKAPLANTHADATHIL, MARUTHUMPADI, THIRUMENI P.O.,
          THIRUMENI, KANNUR, KERALA, PIN - 670511


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
          SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
          SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
          SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
          SHRI.SREEJITH A.
          SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN




RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANNANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          CIVIL STATION, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    3     DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
          COLLECTORATE, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    4     STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          CHERUPUZHA COLLEGE POLICE STATION, CHERUPUZHA, KANNUR,
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 4

          PIN - 670503

    5     THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER,
          ELECTION DEPARTMENT, KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX, VIKAS
          BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001



          SR.GP-SMT.DEEPA NARAYANAN.


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 5


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 13841 OF 2026

PETITIONER:

          SAJI JOSEPH,
          AGED 56 YEARS
          S/O. JOSEPH AUGUSTINE, EZHAKUNNEL HOUSE, KORANGODE,
          CHEMPANTHOTTY, NEDIYANGA, KANNUR, KERALA, PIN - 670631


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
          SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
          SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
          SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
          SHRI.SREEJITH A.
          SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN




RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANNANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          CIVIL STATION, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    3     DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
          COLLECTORATE, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    4     STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          SREEKANDAPURAM POLICE STATION, SREEKANDAPURAM, KANNUR,
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 6

          PIN - 670503

    5     THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER,
          ELECTION DEPARTMENT, KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX, VIKAS
          BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001


          SR.GP-SMT.DEEPA NARAYANAN.


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 7


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 13954 OF 2026

PETITIONER:

          BENNY M.M.,
          AGED 56 YEARS
          S/O. MATHEW, MUTTATHIL HOUSE, PULIKURUMBA P.O., NADUVIL
          VIA, KANNUR, PIN - 670582


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
          SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
          SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
          SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
          SHRI.SREEJITH A.
          SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN




RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANNANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          CIVIL STATION, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    3     DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
          COLLECTORATE, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    4     STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          KUDIYANMALA POLICE STATION, KUDIYANMALA, KANNUR, PIN -
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 8

          670503

    5     THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER,
          ELECTION DEPARTMENT, KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX, VIKAS
          BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001


          GP-SRI.AJITH VISWANATHAN.


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                 9


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 14001 OF 2026

PETITIONER:

          RAJESH T.C.,
          AGED 58 YEARS
          S/O. T.C. RAJAGOPLAN NAMBIAR, K.P HOUSE, MAYYIL P.O.,
          KANNUR, KERALA, PIN - 670602


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
          SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
          SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
          SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
          SHRI.SREEJITH A.
          SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN




RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANNANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          COLLECTORATE, CIVIL STATION, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN -
          670002

    3     DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
          COLLECTORATE, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    4     STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                10

          MAYYIL POLICE STATION, MAYYIL, KANNUR, PIN - 670503

    5     THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER,
          ELECTION DEPARTMENT, KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX, VIKAS
          BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001


          SR.GP-SMT.DEEPA NARAYANAN


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                11


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 14084 OF 2026

PETITIONERS:

    1     GEORGE K.J.,
          AGED 57 YEARS
          KANNIKATTU, BEEMBUMKAD, RAYAROME P.O., ALAKODE, KANNUR,
          KERALA, PIN - 670571

    2     SHAJI E.M.,
          AGED 56 YEARS
          ELAVUNKAL, ANAKKUZHI, VIJAYAGIRI P.O., VELLAD, KANNUR,
          KERALA, PIN - 670571

    3     NISHAD JOHN,
          AGED 42 YEARS
          VALIYA VEETTIL, PALLIPPADI, RAYAROME P.O., ALAKODE,
          KANNUR, KERALA, PIN - 670571

    4     SANTHOSH P.V.,
          AGED 75 YEARS
          PUTHUPPARAMBIL HOUSE, PULIYILAMKUNDU, ALAKODE, RAYAROMЕ
          Р.О., KANNUR, PIN - 670571


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
          SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
          SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
          SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
          SHRI.SREEJITH A.
          SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                12

RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANNANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          CIVIL STATION, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    3     DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
          COLLECTORATE, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    4     STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          ALAKODE POLICE STATION, ALAKODE, KANNUR, PIN - 670503

    5     THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER,
          ELECTION DEPARTMENT, KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX, VIKAS
          BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001



          GP-SRI.AJITH VISWANATHAN.


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                13


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 14198 OF 2026

PETITIONER:

          SNEHAJAN K.,
          AGED 37 YEARS
          S/O. KUNHIRAMAN, KONATH, POOMANGALAM, PANNIYUR, KANNUR,
          PIN - 670142


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.K.N.ABHILASH
          SHRI.SUNIL NAIR PALAKKAT
          SHRI.RISHI VARMA T.R.
          SHRI.RITHIK S.ANAND
          SHRI.SREEJITH A.
          SMT.ALFIYA SHAMSUDHEEN




RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY CHIEF SECRETARY, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANNANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          CIVIL STATION, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    3     DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
          COLLECTORATE, THAVAKKARA, KANNUR, PIN - 670002

    4     STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          THALIPARAMBA POLICE STATION, THALIPARAMBA, KANNUR, PIN
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                14

          - 670503

    5     THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER,
          ELECTION DEPARTMENT, KERALA LEGISLATIVE COMPLEX, VIKAS
          BHAVAN P.O., THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695001


          BY ADV SHRI.M.AJAY, SC, ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
          GP-SRI.AJITH VISWANATHAN., SC-SRI.M.AJAY.


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                15


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 14571 OF 2026

PETITIONERS:

    1     JOSE JOSEPH,
          AGED 76 YEARS
          S/O. JOSEPH, THARAPPEL HOUSE, KIZHAPARAYAR, PALA,
          KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686578

    2     RONI M. GEORGE,
          AGED 55 YEARS
          S/O. M.C. GEORGE, MANAYANICKAL KATTAKAYATHU, PALA,
          KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686575

    3     P.J. SEBASTIAN,
          AGED 78 YEARS
          S/O. P.D. JOSEPH, PANACHIKKAVAYALIL (H), AMPARANIRAPEL
          P.O., THIDANADU, PIN - 686578

    4     ALEX GEORGE,
          AGED 69 YEARS
          S/O. M.C. GEORGE, MANAYANICKAL KATTAKAYATHU, PALA,
          KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686575

    5     BEN JOSE,
          AGED 55 YEARS
          S/O. C.J. JOSEPH, CHOORACKAL (H), ARUVIKUZHY P.O.,
          ANICKADU, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686503

    6     ANIL JOSE,
          AGED 53 YEARS
          S/O. JOSEPH, NJONDIMAKKAL (H), EDAMATTOM P.O., PALA,
          KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686578

    7     GIGI MATHEW,
                                                        2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                16

          AGED 59 YEARS
          S/O. V.M. MATHEW, VALUMANNEL HOUSE, ANAKKALLU P.O.,
          KANJIRAPPALLY, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686508

    8     SCARIA ALEXANDER,
          AGED 60 YEARS
          S/O. N.S. ALEXANDER, NJAVALLIL HOUSE, KAPPADU P.O.,
          KANJIRAPPALLY, THIDANADU, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686508

    9     BENNY JOSEPH,
          AGED 60 YEARS
          S/O. JOSEPH V.J., VILLANKALLEL HOUSE, VELLIAPPALLY
          P.O., PALA, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686574

    0     JOSHY JOSEPH,
          AGED 54 YEARS
          S/O.JOSEPH, PINAKKATTU HOUSE, EDAPPADY P.O.,
          BHARANANGANAM, PALA, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686578

    11    MATHEW SEBASTIAN,
          AGED 72 YEARS
          S/O. SEBASTIAN, PANACHIKKAVAYALIL HOUSE, NADACKAL P.O.,
          TEEKOY, KOTTAYAM (DT), PIN - 686124

    12    ANIL C.,
          AGED 50 YEARS
          S/O. CHANDRAN, EDATHU (H), CHIRAKKADAVU CENTRE P.O.,
          PONKUNNAM, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686519

    13    ROBERT MATHEW,
          AGED 56 YEARS
          S/O. MATHEW, POTTANANIYIL (H), THIDANAD P.O.,
          ERATTUPETTA, PIN - 686123

    14    SHAJI JOSE,
          AGED 58 YEARS
          S/O. JOSE, KOZHIMALA (H), PAZHAYIDAM P.O.,
          KANJRAPPALLY, PIN - 686520

    15    JOSHY SEBASTIAN,
          AGED 56 YEARS
          S/O. SEBASTIAN, PERUNILATHU(H), ARUVITHURA P.O.,
          ERATTUPETTA, PIN - 686122
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                17


          BY ADVS.
          SRI.LIJI.J.VADAKEDOM
          SHRI.ATHUL V. VADAKKEDOM




RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF
          HOME AFFAIRS, SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN -
          695001

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR-KOTTAYAM,
          COLLECTORATE, CIVIL STATION P.O., KOTTAYAM, PIN -
          686002

    3     THE DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF
          DISTRICT POLICE OFFICE, CIVIL STATION P.O, KOTTAYAM,
          PIN - 686002

    4     ADDITIONAL DISTRICT MAGISTRATE
          COLLECTORATE, CIVIL STATION P.O., KOTTAYAM, PIN -
          686002

    5     THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
          REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, NIRVACHAN SADHAN, ASHOKA
          ROAD, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110001

    6     THE KERALA STATE ELECTION COMMISSION
          REPRESENTED BY ITS SECRETARY, VIKAS BHAVAN, JANAHITHAM,
          NEAR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM,, PIN -
          695033


          BY ADV SHRI.DEEPU LAL MOHAN, SC, STATE ELECTION
          COMMISSION, KERALA


          SR.GP-SMT. DEEPA NARAYANAN., SC-SRI.M.AJAY (R5), SC-
          DEEPU LAL MOHAN (R6)
     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
                                                     2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                18

10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                19


               IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM

                                PRESENT

               THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C. JAYACHANDRAN

     FRIDAY, THE 10TH DAY OF APRIL 2026 / 20TH CHAITHRA, 1948

                        WP(C) NO. 14676 OF 2026

PETITIONERS:

    1     K.J. THOMAS,
          AGED 66 YEARS
          S/O K.T JOSEPH, KINATTUKARA HOUSE, KALAKETTY P.O,
          PINNAKANADU, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686508

    2     RINCY JOSE,
          AGED 50 YEARS
          W/O JOSE JOSEPH, KINATTUKARA HOUSE, PINNAKANADU,
          KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686508

    3     ROBY JOSEPH,
          AGED 62 YEARS
          S/O JOSEPH VELLOOKUNNEL , KALLAMKATTU HOUSE,
          CHETTUTHODU KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686508

    4     B. ASHOK KUMAR,
          AGED 60 YEARS
          S/O BHASKARA NAIR, SREE VILASAM, VILAKKUMADAM,
          POOVARANY, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686577


          BY ADVS.
          SHRI.AJAY BEN JOSE
          SHRI.GEORGEKUTTY THOMAS
          SMT.LAYA MARY JOSEPH
                                                       2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                20

RESPONDENTS:

    1     STATE OF KERALA,
          REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SECRETARIAT,
          THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, PIN - 695036

    2     THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR,
          CIVIL STATION-KOTTAYAM, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686002

    3     THE DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF,
          KOTTAYAM, DISTRICT POLICE CHIEF'S OFFICE, COLLECTORATE,
          KOTTAYAM, KERALA, PIN - 686002

    4     THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          THIDANADU POLICE STATION, PINNAKANADU, KOTTAYAM, PIN -
          686508

    5     THE STATION HOUSE OFFICER,
          PALA POLICE STATION, PALA, KOTTAYAM, PIN - 686575

    6     ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA,
          NIRVACHAN SADAN, ASHOKA ROAD, NEW DELHI, PIN - 110001


          GP-SRI.AJITH VISWANATHAN., SC-SRI.M.AJAY.


     THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON
10.04.2026, ALONG WITH WP(C).13814/2026 AND CONNECTED CASES, THE
COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING:
                                                              2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026,
14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]
                                21




                                JUDGMENT

The Orders impugned in these Writ Petitions are directions

for the surrender of arms in connection with the Assembly

elections.

2. This Court has already held in various judgments

that the manner in which arms have been directed to be

surrendered is not in accord with the guidelines issued by

the Central Election Commission. The present impugned

Orders are no exception and hence the same will stand set

aside. However, a further discussion in this direction is

avoided, since the elections are over.

3. In the circumstances, there will be a direction to

concerned S.H.Os to return the respective arms to the

respective petitioners within a period of two days from

today.

The above direction will also equally operate in

cases where the petitioners have surrendered their arms 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

based on oral directions.

Sd/-

C. JAYACHANDRAN JUDGE SAS 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 13814 OF 2026

PETITIONERS' EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A1878F2 DATED 6.10.2023, VALID UP TO 5.10.2028, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A186A822 DATED 2.09.2022, VALID UP TO 29.08.2027, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 10.01.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9933/2009 OF THIS HONORABLE COURT Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.03.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 8571/2011 OF THIS HONORABLE COURT Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 4/3/26 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 4/3/26 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT TO THE 2 ND PETITIONER 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 13831 OF 2026

PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A186F123 DATED 11.01.2024, VALID UP TO 10.1.2029, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 10.01.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9933/2009 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.03.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 8571/2011 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 16.03.2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 13841 OF 2026

PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A7A1A917 DATED 26.09.2022, VALID UP TO 27.05.2027, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 10.01.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9933/2009 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.03.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 8571/2011 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P4 THE TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 03.02.2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 13954 OF 2026

PETITIONER'S XHIBITS

Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A186A121 DATED 22.12.2022, VALID UP TO 21.12.2027, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 10.01.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9933/2009 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.03.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 8571/2011 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 05/03/2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14001 OF 2026

PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A7A16017 DATED 03.08.2023, VALID UP TO 30.10.2027, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 10.01.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9933/2009 OF THIS HON'BLE COURT Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.03.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 8571/2011 OF THIS HON'BLE COURT Exhibit P4 THE TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 01/03/2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14084 OF 2026

PETITIONERS' EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A1874022, DATED 09.01.2023, VALID UP TO 08.01.2028, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A186BD21, DATED 15.03.2022 VALID UP TO 14.03.2027, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A186A423, DATED 19.08.2023 VALID UP TO 18.08.2028, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A1876523, DATED 28.02.2025 VALID UP TO 27.02.2030, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P5 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 10.01.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9933/2009 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.03.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 8571/2011 OF THIS HONOROBLE COURT Exhibit P7 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 10/03/2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN FAVOR OF THE 1ST PETITIONER Exhibit P8 THE TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 05/03/2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN FAVOR OF THE 1ST PETITIONER Exhibit P9 THE TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 10/03/2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN FAVOR OF THE 1ST PETITIONER Exhibit P10 THE TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 10/03/2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT IN FAVOR OF THE 1ST PETITIONER 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14198 OF 2026

PETITIONERS' EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 A TRUE COPY OF THE CURRENT LICENSE NO.

LN18318A186AE24 DATED 24.04.2025, VALID UP TO 23.04.2030, ISSUED BY THE SECOND RESPONDENT FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPON Exhibit P2 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 10.01.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9933/2009 OF THIS HONORABLE COURT Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 18.03.2011 IN W.P.(C) NO.8571/2011 OF THIS HONORABLE COURT Exhibit P4 THE TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 06/03/2026 ISSUED BY THE 4TH RESPONDENT 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14571 OF 2026

PETITIONER'S EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 THE TRUE COPY OF THE INSTRUCTION -112 WHICH IS NUMBERED AS 464/INST/2009/EPS DATED 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2009 ISSUED BY THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA Exhibit P2 THE TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO.

464/INST/EPS/2023/L&O DATED 8.6.2023 ISSUED BY THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA Exhibit P3 A TRUE COPY OF THE DECISION IN SAJI KURIACHAN V. DISTRICT COLLECTOR, ERNAKULAM & OTHERS REPORTED IN 2011(1) KHC 214 Exhibit P4 A TRUE COPY OF THE COMMUNICATION NO. 173 GL/SB/26K DATED 25.2.2026 ISSUED BY THE 3RD RESPONDENT Exhibit P5 THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 3.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY PETITIONER NO.1 BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(a) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 3.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 2ND PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(b) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 3.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 3RD PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(c) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 4TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(d) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 5TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(e) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 6TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(f) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 7TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(g) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 8TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(h) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 9TH PETITIONER 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(i) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 10TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(j) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 11TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(k) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 12TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(l) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 13TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(m) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 14TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P5(n) THE TRUE COPY OF THE APPLICATION DATED 03.03.2026 SUBMITTED BY THE 15TH PETITIONER BEFORE THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P6 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO. DCKTM/1799/2026- H3 DATED 16.3.2026 ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P7 A TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER NO. DCKTM/1799/2026- H3 DATED 19.3.2026 ISSUED BY THE 2ND RESPONDENT Exhibit P8 THE TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 05.11.2025 IN WP(C) NO. 29488 OF 2025 OF THE HON'BLE KERALA HIGH COURT Exhibit P9 THE TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER DATED 26.03.2026 IN WP(C) NO. 11762 OF 2026 OF THE HON'BLE HIGH COURT OF KERALA Exhibit P10 THE TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 1.4.2026 IN W.P.(C) NOS. 13059/2026 & 13201/2026 BEFORE THIS HONOURABLE COURT 2026:KER:32315

[WP(C) Nos.13814/2026, 13831/2026, 13841/2026, 13954/2026, 14001/2026, 14084/2026, 14198/2026, 14571/2026, 14676/2026]

APPENDIX OF WP(C) NO. 14676 OF 2026

PETITIONERS' EXHIBITS

Exhibit P1 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT ISSUED BY THE DEVASIA MATHEW SITCO ARMOURY, ARMS AND AMMUNITION DEALERS, KANJIRAPALLY, KOTTAYAM DISTRICT TO THE 1ST PETITIONER Exhibit P2 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT ISSUED BY THE DEVASIA MATHEW SITCO ARMOURY, ARMS AND AMMUNITION DEALERS, KANJIRAPALLY, KOTTAYAM DISTRICT TO THE 2ND PETITIONER Exhibit P3 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT OF THE FIREARM ISSUED BY 4TH RESPONDENT TO THE 3RD PETITIONER Exhibit P4 TRUE COPY OF THE RECEIPT DATED 27.02.2026 ISSUED BY THE M/S P.C. CHACKO, ARMS AND AMMUNITION DEALERS, KOTTAYAM DISTRICT TO THE 4TH PETITIONER Exhibit P5 TRUE COPY OF THE INSTRUCTIONS/GUIDELINES DATED 08-06-2023 ISSUED BY THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA Exhibit P6 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN SAJI KURIACHAN VS DISTRICT COLLECTOR, ERNAKULAM & OTHERS (2011 (1) KHC 214), THIS HON'BLE COURT, DATED 10.01.2011, Exhibit P7 TRUE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT IN W.P.(C) NO. 6394 OF 2021 THIS HON'BLE COURT, DATED 16.03.2021 Exhibit P8 THE COPY OF THE JUDGMENT DATED 26.03.2026 IN W.P.(C) NO. 9392 OF 2026