Kerala HC orders crime branch probe into Minister Saji Cherian’s alleged remarks on Constitution
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the State government to initiate a Crime Branch investigation into allegations against Minister for Culture Saji Cherian over his purported remarks insulting the Constitution. The alleged incident occurred during a CPI(M) area committee meeting in Mallapally, Pathanamthitta district, in 2022.
The court quashed the earlier decision of a Magistrate court to close the case, highlighting procedural lapses, including the failure to await forensic examination results of the visuals and the absence of journalist testimonies. The High Court noted that references in Cherian’s speech appeared to degrade the Constitution and deemed the Magistrate’s decision to close the case improper.
Observing inconsistencies in the investigation, the High Court pointed out that findings by the investigating officer—stating that Cherian lacked intent to insult the Constitution—were contrary to facts. It asserted that a minister's position warranted a probe beyond a station house officer’s inquiry. The court also dismissed the State government's plea challenging the petition filed by advocate Baiju Noel, which sought a further investigation into the case.
The High Court directed the Director General of Police to assign the Crime Branch to carry out a conclusive and expedited investigation. The case, which had previously sparked controversy and led to Cherian’s temporary resignation from the Cabinet, has now resurfaced as a significant setback for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
Cherian was reinstated in the Cabinet following the controversy.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 100th Saudi Pro League goal
Riyadh (AP): Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal as Al-Nassr beat Al-Shabab 4-2 to move five points clear at the top of the table.
The 41-year-old forward converted a Sadio Mané cross at the near post with 15 minutes remaining to record the 971st goal of his career on Thursday. It was also his 26th league goal of the season.
“Ronaldo is always dangerous going forward and we saw that again today,” Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus said.
João Félix, signed from Chelsea in July, scored three goals for the league leaders.
The win took Al-Nassr to 82 points from 32 games, five ahead of Al-Hilal, which has three matches, one more than Nassr, left to play. Al-Hilal meets Al-Kholood on Friday and faces Nassr on Tuesday in what could be a title decider against its Riyadh rival.
“Now we have a derby match against our rival, which is a difficult encounter,” Jesus said.
“We are fully aware of its importance, and we are dealing with it with complete focus as we know that small details could decide the result.”
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has yet to secure a major trophy in Saudi Arabia since signing with Al-Nassr in December 2022.
