Thiruvananthapuram: The Home Department of Kerala has initiated urgent steps to completely withdraw cases registered against students and cultural activists who protested in solidarity with the historic anti-NEET examination irregularities movement held at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. The government’s decision comes in the wake of a letter sent by Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
The release of the letter—which exposed the severe police crackdown on student protests and highlighted the UDF government’s double standards—placed significant political pressure on both the Chief Minister and the Home Department. Consequently, the government was forced to direct the cancellation of these cases.
The government faced considerable embarrassment over its contradictory stance: while the central Congress leadership and Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with the protests in Delhi, the police in Kerala filed cases against youth and students who were protesting peacefully over the exact same issue. Pinarayi Vijayan’s strategic political exposure of this inconsistency put the state government on the defensive.
Police had registered cases under various sections against nearly 5,000 protesters across the state. Among those caught up in these false cases were prominent cultural figures, popular artists—including singer Vedan—and student representatives.
Although the Central Government in Delhi assured that all cases registered by the police there would be dropped once the protest concluded, the Kerala UDF government’s inaction in revoking local cases faced severe public criticism for being undemocratic. The opposition openly accused the government of practicing politics of vengeance by delaying the process.
Following the Opposition Leader’s decisive intervention, the matter was referred to the Home Department, which is currently reviewing legal aspects through its legal advisors. Official orders regarding the withdrawal of cases are expected to be issued soon.
The withdrawal comes as a major relief to thousands of students and their families who had been living in fear of prolonged court trials. It also removes concerns regarding potential obstacles to their higher education and career prospects.
Meanwhile, internal criticism has also surfaced regarding lapses by senior police officials who authorized the use of water cannons and lathi charges on peaceful protesters and framed them in false cases.
Politically, the decision marks a significant setback for the UDF government. Having to back down following a single letter from the Opposition Leader highlights vulnerabilities in the ruling front’s political defense. Ultimately, confronted by its own double standards and intense political pressure, the government has been forced to relent and clear the path for a complete withdrawal of cases.
Key Highlights
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Target Audience: ~5,000 students, artists (including singer Vedan), and activists across Kerala.
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Core Issue: Cases registered during peaceful solidarity protests against NEET irregularities.
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Political Catalyst: A letter from Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan exposing government inconsistency relative to the national Congress stance in Delhi.
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Current Status: Home Department and legal advisors are preparing the official order to drop all charges.
