Kerala news & politics
The latest news from Kerala, where V.D. Satheesan (INC) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: crime violence, infrastructure, protest opposition.
CJI Surya Kant to inaugurate High Court of Kerala platinum jubilee celebrations on Sunday
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will inaugurate the platinum jubilee celebrations of the High Court of Kerala on Sunday (November 1). The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. and features guests of honour Sarasa Venkatanarayana Bhatti and Arjun Ram Meghwal. The inaugural function will be presided over by Soumen Sen, who serves as Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala.
IMD issues yellow alerts as low-pressure area threatens to become cyclonic storm
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that rainfall will resume in Keralam starting Sunday, November 1, 2026. A low-pressure area is expected to intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Saturday. The IMD issued yellow alerts for several districts, including Pathanamthitta and Idukki, warning of heavy rainfall as the system potentially develops into a cyclonic storm.
KPSC chairperson M.R. Baiju and members FIRed for tilting Fisheries Extension Officer rank list
The SIT of the Crime Branch registered an FIR on October 28 against KPSC chairperson M.R. Baiju and members for criminal breach of trust under Section 409 and misuse of authority under Sections 7 and 13(1)(a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. They allegedly tilted the November 2022 rank list for Fisheries Extension Officer to favor CPI(M) candidates from KUFOS.
One-horned rhino Jadu dies at Thiruvananthapuram zoo after living alone since 2004
Jadu, a 39-year-old one-horned rhinoceros, died Friday night at the Thiruvananthapuram zoo in Keralam. Transported from State Zoological Park, Guwahati, Assam on May 19, 1993, for ₹6.5 lakh, he lived alone since Rita was gored by Ramu in 2004. Veterinary surgeon Nikesh Kiran and pathologist Harish will conduct a post-mortem before his cremation at 3 p.m. Saturday.
The Kadavanthra police registered a case against Radisson Blu Hotel in Elamkulam, Kochi city
The Kadavanthra police registered a case against Radisson Blu Hotel in Elamkulam, Kochi city, for hosting a DJ party and selling liquor beyond permissible hours. Following a search starting at 2 a.m. on October 31, 2026, authorities seized electronic equipment and documents. The hotel faces charges under Sections 55(h) and 56(b) of the Kerala Abkari Act.
95% of licensed traders to relocate to Kalluthankadavu market over structural safety concerns
Mayor O. Sadasivan of Kozhikode Corporation stated 95% of licensed traders will relocate to the Kalluthankadavu market due to structural safety concerns. Responding to BJP councillor K.P. Anilkumar, he noted 50 additional rooms were built. UDF councillors welcomed a shift in stance, while T. Raneesh maintained the BJP position. C. Sandesh alleged state government transfers disrupted operations.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan called for protecting the Vembanad lake system
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan called for protecting the Vembanad lake system, which shrunk from 40,000 sq. km. to 10,000 sq. km. due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. Speaking at a tribute for late expert B. Madhusoodana Kurup, he suggested a chair at Kufos in his name. V.E. Abdul Gafoor presided as Satheesan released the book with K. Babu and S. Sarma.
VACB ordered to probe alleged procedural lapses in ₹12,240 crore Kannur land acquisition
On October 30, the State government ordered a Vigilance and Anti Corruption Bureau (VACB) investigation into alleged procedural lapses regarding the acquisition of 4896 acres in Kannur district for ₹12,240 crore through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The order followed a State Cabinet recommendation based on an expert committee led by Sudha Pillai.
Crime Branch apprehends Kerala PSC additional secretary R. Hari for alleged examination irregularities
The Crime Branch apprehended R. Hari, a Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) additional secretary, in Ernakulam for alleged irregularities in a State Planning Board examination. He fled after the arrest of P. Satheesh. The SIT alleges 10 questions were intentionally excluded to favor certain persons. The team expanded by three officers issued notices to M.R. Baiju, the PSC secretary, and 10 members.
Forest department and PCK to survey Athirappilly land over elephant corridor obstruction
The Forest department and Plantation Corporation, Kerala (PCK) will jointly survey a two-hectare leased forest land at Athirappilly following lease expiry a decade ago. The move addresses alleged elephant corridor obstruction, human-wildlife conflicts involving tigers, and lease violations like private pineapple farming. George Joseph, PCK managing director, defended the project while officials cited a Kerala High Court order against sub-leasing.
Applicants allege Keralam government violated UGC Regulations 2018 in Higher Education reshuffle
The Higher Education department reshuffled Principals and administrators in Keralam. Chitra Trivikraman Nair swapped with Umajyothi V., while Dr. Nair gained the Deputy Director of Collegiate Education charge. Mathews Plamoottil, Roy Scaria, and Liyaqath Ali received full additional charges. Applicants alleged irregularities, claiming the government violated University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2018 by ignoring direct recruitment rules despite a Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) petition.
Save University Campaign Committee seeks land survey of CPI(M) headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram
R. S. Sasikumar, chairperson of Save University Campaign Committee, approached the Kerala High Court seeking a land survey of the CPI(M) former State headquarters, AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. The plea challenges an alleged assignment of 15 cents of Kerala University land. Sasikumar alleged the CPI(M) took possession of additional Puramboke land and requested building plans from Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.
