Kerala HC initiates suo motu proceedings to reverse lower court's acquittal orders in 1,622 cases

In an unprecedented move, the Kerala High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings to reverse the acquittal orders issued by a Magistrate court in 1,622 criminal cases.

The Administrative Committee of the High Court took the decision recently after considering reports submitted by senior judicial officers that the disposal of 1,622 cases invoking provisions under the CrPC Section 258 (power to stop proceedings in certain cases) was in total disregard of the directions issued by the High Court.

The cases involving serious offences under IPC, Abkari Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, were disposed of by the Judicial First Class Magistrate-II-Kollam during June 1, 2016-December 31, 2016 period.

The committee, consisting of three judges of the High Court, found that the Magistrate's action stopping proceedings in 1,622 cases was illegal amounting to arbitrary exercise of judicial discretion.

The committee resolved to take steps to initiate suo-motu revision in all these cases.

The High Court also decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Magistrate R Rajesh.