Kerala HC Grants Interim Relief to CM Vijayan in 2023 Incitement Case

The Kerala High Court on Thursday granted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan a three-month interim stay in a criminal case concerning a speech he delivered during the 2023 'Nava Kerala Sadas' tour.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Congress leader Muhammad Shiyas, who accused the Vijayan of inciting political violence against Youth Congress cadre following black flag protests in Kannur.

The Kerala High Court on Thursday, 17 July, granted Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan a three-month interim stay in a criminal case related to a speech he made during the 2023 'Nava Kerala Sadas' tour, shortly after black flag protests disrupted his convoy in Kannur.

The case arises from a complaint filed by Congress leader Muhammad Shiyas, who alleged that the speech incited political attacks on Youth Congress members in various parts of the state.

In his petition to the High Court, the Chief Minister argued that his speech did not encourage violence. Instead, he said he had praised bystanders who had prevented protestors from falling in front of his moving vehicle, describing their actions as "life-saving" - not as a provocation or a call for retaliation.

Justice VG Arun, who heard the petition, granted the interim stay on proceedings, offering a reprieve for the state government as legal scrutiny over the incident continues.