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Review tender issuing methodology to prevent loss to State exchequer: Kerala HC to Chief Secretary
PIL claims that tenders awarded by the Irrigation department for desilting reservoirs of the State were causing substantial loss to the public exchequer
Kerala's Big Move Against Drivers Who Violate Zebra-Crossing Rules
The department has ordered the cancellation of driving licences for drivers who violate pedestrian safety norms, citing a dangerous driving culture contributing to hundreds of deaths.
Kerala Police Officer's Suicide Note Names Top Cop, Alleges Harassment
A 32-page suicide note by SHO Binu Thomas accuses a senior DSP of sexual exploitation, intimidation, and harassment, turning his death investigation into a probe of institutional abuse.
Renjith Johnson murder: Kerala HC upholds life term
Life term awarded to five persons by trial court for the murder committed in August 2018.
Kerala Woman Files Sexual Assault Complaint Against Suspended Congress MLA
A woman on Thursday submitted a sexual assault complaint with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mankootathil, shortly after a fresh purported audio recording of a conversation between the two surfaced online.
Kerala HC issues directions to prevent over crowding at Sabarimala
Court asks authorities to ensure that only persons with genuine virtual queue or spot-booking pass corresponding to specified date and time slot are permitted entry to the Sannidhanam
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refused to comment when asked about the complaint filed by the woman against the MLA, even as reporters approached him at a function venue in Thiruvananthapuram.
Meet Asha Sobhana, the first crorepati from Kerala at WPL auction
The action began innocuously, after the Delhi Capitals kicked things off at the base price of Rs 30 lakh. But the tempo surged swiftly as Delhi and UP Warriorz traded bids up to Rs 55 lakh.
Thottappally sand-mining: Kerala HC directs Chief Secretary to submit suggestions on expert panel
Kerala HC reserves its order on plea by Catholic Congress against scenes in Malayalam film Haal
Order reserved on the appeal filed by the Catholic Congress against a single judges order to the CBFC to grant A-certification for the film
Kerala local body polls 2025: When an LDF Independent flaunts a Maudany connection
The posters of Nishad Nadakkal, an LDF Independent in an Erattupetta ward, display the image of PDP founder Abdul Nasir Maudany. LDF leaders say Nishad has resigned from PDP, while PDP leaders insist that he is a loyalist for three decades
Calicut narsity V-C selection faces further delay over search panel status
The Kerala High Court has ordered the senate to select its nominee within 30 days. Selection process for the V-Cs post can only commence when the search-cum-selection committee is in place.
Local body polls in Kerala: dry days declared
Over 68% SIR enumeration forms digitised: ECI
99.33% of enumeration forms distributed; U.P. and Kerala lagging behind in digitisation work
No 'Vande Mataram', 'Jai Hind' slogans in Parliament: Congress slams BJP
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday hit out at the BJP after the Rajya Sabha Secretariat reminded MPs not to use slogans like 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' in Parliament to maintain decorum, and said those who did not lose anything in the freedom movement and sided with the British have problems with slogans associated with the independence struggle. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said earlier the British had problems with these slogans which were used in the freedom struggle and now the BJP is having problems. On November 24, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat reminded members not to use slogans like 'Vande Mataram' and 'Jai Hind' inside or outside the House to maintain decorum, citing them as a breach of parliamentary etiquette. I am shocked. What on earth is the objection to these slogans - the British had a problem with them, and now the BJP folks have too? What kind of people are they made of, those who find it difficult to utter the two most famous slogans of the freedom struggle in the House, Shrinate said in a video message. She said 'Jai Hind' means the victory of Hindustan - may India always be victorious and this was the most powerful slogan of the freedom struggle as it beats in the heart of every Indian. It was composed in 1907 by the revolutionary Chempakaraman Pillai from Travancore, Kerala. Between 1914-1918, Pillai was active in the Indian freedom movement in Germany. He was the first to use 'Jai Hind' as a greeting and slogan among Indian revolutionaries living abroad, she said. In 1943-44, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj made 'Jai Hind' their official greeting and slogan, making it even more popular. Netaji would end all his speeches and radio messages broadcast from South East Asia and Germany with 'Jai Hind'. Netaji chose it because it was secular and united everyone, the Congress spokesperson added. Shrinate said after independence in 1947, 'Jai Hind' was adopted by the Indian armed forces as their official greeting and salute and even today, it instills a sense of patriotism in the army, paramilitary forces, and every Indian. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made it even more popular. He would often end his speeches with 'Jai Hind', she noted. Talking of 'Vande Mataram', she said, it is that glorious slogan and song in our history that gives India the status of a mother and pays homage to her, while bowing to her. Written in 1870 by Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay, it was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Indian National Congress session and in 1905, during the Swadeshi movement, it became the political and nationalist slogan of the masses, she said. Between 19061910, the British regime repeatedly banned it, leading to arrests for singing it. Whether it was protests for Swaraj or marches for independence, 'Vande Mataram' was always on the lips of the great heroes of freedom. Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Khudiram Bose raised the slogan 'Vande Mataram' during their trials and at the time of hanging. On 24 January 1950, India's Constituent Assembly declared 'Vande Mataram' as India's national song. Now think about it: who could possibly have a problem with these slogans? Only those who didn't even lose the tiniest bit of a little fingernail in the freedom movement. Those who were slaves and informants to the British, the Congress leader said. The advisory, mentioned in the 'Handbook for Members of Rajya Sabha', was issued ahead of the commencement of the parliamentary session on December 1. The decorum and the seriousness of the proceedings of the House require that there should be no 'Thanks', 'Thank You', 'Jai Hind', 'Vande Mataram' or any other slogans raised in the House, the Rajya Sabha notification said, while reminding MPs to observe the parliamentary customs and conventions. Sources in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat said that this is not the first time such an instruction has been issued. A similar circular was released during the UPA-led government in November 2005, also emphasising that raising slogans like 'Jai Hind' and 'Vande Mataram' was inconsistent with parliamentary customs and etiquette.
Kerala Will Not Implement Centre's New Labour Codes, Says Minister
Kerala Labour Minister Sivankutty said that while most states have moved ahead with implementing the labour codes, Kerala has consistently maintained its refusal.
Drunk driving: probe under way against interstate bus driver
Alleged incident took place during a trip between Kozhikode and Bengaluru on November 24
Travelogue: Don't tell the mountains you are coming to Nagaland
Sitting in that cozy Naga kitchen in Munirka one winter evening in Delhi, I promised the girl across the table the one who had been slipping unfamiliar flavours into my life that I would accompany her on her next trip home. To Nagaland. Until I met her, everything I knew of the place came from second-hand anecdotes, and none of it matched what she spoke of: a sweep of emerald hills stitched with terraces and mist. To the then-aspiring writer in me, this was the stuff of alchemy. A view from Kapamodzu Peak in Phek district, Nagaland The road to Dzuleke Village However, to avoid trespassing into the personal, I pitched it as an adventure holiday for our little gang a clutch of nobodies trying to find meaning in the capital. We even started a WhatsApp group: NE Chale? And as word spread, more unlikely recruits joined. The neighbourhood grocers son, whose father insisted that he see more of the world; a freelance designer who sometimes worked with our office; and the young manager of a pub in Hauz Khas. Whatever personal vectors influenced their decision, everyone was convinced that Nagaland would have between its mountain folds, exactly what they sought. Northeast chale? wed ask each other whenever we crossed paths in the office cafeteria, on Tuesday-night football, in the fruit mart queue at Khan Market, during long walks in Nizamuddin, and at house parties in GK. Soon, the answers invariably came. That was ten years ago. The backyard of the chief's house in Dzuleke Village The adventure we had poured so much heart into never materialised. Soon, it became a long-running joke, then a reminder of our collective failure. One by one, people left the group. She did too. Today, only a handful remain, stubbornly holding on to the dream, to the versions of ourselves we once hoped to become. But a decade is a long time. So much has shifted in our lives that the simple act of travelling together required us to set fire to our worlds and pack with us the smoke of that anguish. So I decided to go alone. The only school in Dzuleke Village Part of it was the quiet, persistent desire to see a faraway land. Also, to settle an old promise. But the journey did take on new dimensions as soon as I glimpsed the first mountains peeking from behind the veil of clouds. I was, to say little, galvanised. Perhaps it has something to do with living too close to the sea? Its vastness and the plateauing of its horizon renders in those accustomed to the sight a yearning to see mountains piercing the skies. An aspiration to be more. To ascend. Zhavame in Phek, Nagaland. The amphitheatre or village circle is also seen. However, as the flight descended, these very mountains seemingly conquerable from the skies were now very out of reach and too big a challenge. The adventure the girl charted out in that tiny Naga kitchen, I knew, had finally begun. One name beckoned me more than the others Kapamodzu Peak. Standing at an elevation of 2,620m, it is the fourth-highest peak in Nagaland and is nestled in the heart of Phek district, the land of the Chakhesang tribe, to which many of my friends belonged. While I had imagined scaling to the peaks summit as the arduous of my objectives here, the journey from Dimapur airport to the state capital, Kohima, turned out to be the undisputed champion. The nearly 60-kilometre journey, on roads that wound in narrow, looping ribbons, took close to three hours in the dark. Kevi, a young tour guide in Khonoma Village, poses in front of the morung, a traditional youth dormitory that serves as a center for education for young Naga men Khonoma Village Nevertheless, the decision to not remain in Dimapur that first night paid rich dividends the next morning when I, awakened by the sharp pik-pik-a-wew of an amusingly friendly Red-whiskered Bulbul (which continued this tradition for my many days since), was treated to pristine blue skies. I knew exactly what I had to do write to my friends in Delhi about the AQI levels here. It was 29. For the next few days, I, accompanied by friends of friends of friends in Kohima, navigated the length and breadth of the city; peeling away layer after layer of its storied history until all that remained was Kewhira, an old Angami village. Since one of the days was November 11 (Remembrance Day), a special stop was also made at the Kohima War Cemetery (the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II during the Japanese offensive into British India) to honour our fallen heroes. Road to Zhavame Village The paddy fields of Zhavame Village in Phek district, Nagaland On another day, a special visit was charted out by a friend to Khonoma Village, where, he was certain, I will understand from just where this stubbornness of the Nagas rose. Overlooking mesmerising paddy fields and hills covered with lush forests, this warrior village is renowned for its fierce resistance during the British colonial period. There were, of course, repercussions. The entire village and its fort was burnt down several times and had to be rebuilt each time. When asked why their ancestors didnt flee and built their lives elsewhere, the young chap who was guiding me uttered rather nonchalantly: healing cannot begin if you run away from where you lost. My friend was right. I understood now. The unofficial tour guides of Zhavame Village The next morning, I began my long ride to Zhavame, a quaint village on the foothills of Kapamodzu, on my friends scooter. While several roads had indeed undergone a makeover in the lead up to the Hornbill Festival, the one connecting Kohima to Pfutsero in Phek, and then down to Zhavame was, from reliable sources, best avoided. So I took the slightly-longer Moa Gate route through Manipur and cut north to Nagaland after passing Liyai Khunou village on the border. Even this road tested me. But coming as the balm was the hospitality of the people I met in Zhavame, which, I learned afterwards, was a major pitstop along the old trade route that connected the tribes, and later, the states, Nagaland and Manipur. Zhavame Village On one particularly cold night here and desperately in need of a hot chai, I ambled my way to the only shop here. Alas, this one had no provisions left. Overhearing my conversation with the shopkeeper, a young lady offered to run home and make me a cup. The trek began at 3am in almost pitch darkness and bitingly cold winds. A short distance into the trail and I could feel my legs giving away. While my mind was determined tocontinue, the body refused to abide. I wouldve given up entirely had had it not been for a girl navigating the same path as me. She uttered a time-old wisdom disguised as a fable. Dont let the mountains know you are coming, she said. The peaks, she continued, are inhabited by ancient spirits. If they learn you are coming, they will throw hurdles your way. Decide instead to walk till that stone, then, that big tree, until that stream... A view from Kapamodzu Peak in Phek district, Nagaland A viewpoint on the way to the summit of Kapamodzu Peak By the crack of dawn, I was on the summit and treated to a stupendous view. I stayed an entire day here, watching as clouds parted to reveal sweeps of green pastures and villages perched on impossible slopes. And from far beyond, the soft thunder of distant rain. Silhouette of mountains piercing the skies. As equally heartening as this scenery is what Nagaland is really made of: its people. Their open smiles, honest words, and a generosity that expects nothing in return. People whose friendship I will cherish as one of my lifes greatest treasures. Sunrise from Kapamodzu Peak
Chairing conference of MPs ahead of Parliaments Winter Session, CM notes that the law passed by Kerala Assembly in October envisages several provisions for expediting action against dangerous animals that injure humans and pose an immediate threat to human lives
Air pollution levels across north India are significantly higher than national average: Report
CHANDIGARH: The air pollution levels across North India are significantly higher than the national average as per the latest report released by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), an independent research organisation. The report stated that Delhi, along with Punjab, Assam and Tripura, was identified as a year-round pollution hotspot failing to meet PM 2.5 standard even during the monsoons. On the other hand, the southern states recorded the lowest values. The report titled, Beyond City Limits: A Satellite-Based PM-2.5 Assessment Across Indias Airsheds, States and Districts, stated that all the 23 districts of Punjab, 22 of Haryana and 12 of Himachal Pradesh exceeded the annual National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of 40 ug/m3 for PM 2.5 concentration last year. During summer, winter and post-monsoon periods, PM 2.5 concentrations exceeded the NAAQS limits in these states. During the monsoon, 15 out of 23 districts in Punjab, 5 out of 22 in Haryana and 2 out of 12 districts in Himachal Pradesh exceeded the air quality limit. It read, Delhi recorded the highest pollution levels with an annual mean PM 2.5 concentration of 101 g/m, 2.5 times the Indian standard and 20 times the World Health Organisation (WHO). The pollution crisis extends across northern India, with the average PM 2.5 concentrations in all states in these regions, including Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). This concentration of pollution aligns with their location in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The eastern and northeastern states showed similarly concerning levels, with PM 2.5 average concentrations in Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh all above the NAAQS. Among western states, the mean concentrations in Rajasthan and Gujarat exceeded the annual national standard, it added. While the southern states presented the lowest PM 2.5 values, Puducherry recorded the lowest concentration at 25 g/m, followed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Sikkim, Telangana, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh. The report stated that Delhi consistently ranks as the most polluted city across all seasons, highlighting the capital's year-round air quality crisis. While Chandigarh appears in the top five during three seasons (winter, summer, and post-monsoon), West Bengal also ranks among the worst across the winter and post-monsoon seasons. Punjab and Haryana emerged as major air-pollution concerns, with Punjab during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods and Haryana during the summer and post-monsoon periods. The northeastern states present an unexpected pollution hotspot, with Assam and Tripura featuring in the top five in three seasons (winter, summer, and monsoon). Overall, 60 per cent of districts (447 out of 749) exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for annual PM 2.5. None of the districts met the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of less than 5 g/m. The most polluted districts are heavily concentrated in a few states, highlighting regional clustering of severe air quality issues. Delhi (11 districts) and Assam (11 districts) alone account for nearly half of the top 50, followed by Bihar (7) and Haryana (7). Other notable contributors include Uttar Pradesh (4), Tripura (3), Rajasthan (2), West Bengal (2), and single districts from Chandigarh, Meghalaya and Nagaland, it reads. It further added, Several states are in universal non-compliance, where all monitored districts exceed the NAAQS. These include Delhi, Assam, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir. Several other states show a large majority of districts breaching the norm, such as Bihar (37 of 38), West Bengal (22 of 23), Gujarat (32 of 33), Nagaland (11 of 12), Rajasthan (30 of 33), and Jharkhand (21 of 24). A second group shows mixed performance, where some districts meet the standard but many continue to exceed it. This includes Uttar Pradesh (49 of 75 districts exceeding), Odisha (22 of 30), Madhya Pradesh (27 of 52), and Maharashtra (14 of 36). In the Northeast, Arunachal Pradesh (12 exceed, 13 comply) and Manipur (five exceed, 11 comply) also fall in this transitional category. At the other end of the spectrum, several states have the majority of their districts below NAAQS, such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Sikkim, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These contrasting patterns highlight the continued dominance of northern and eastern states in Indias PM 2.5 pollution hotspots, while southern and coastal regions remain relatively cleaner. The report stated that the states should develop district-level air quality action plans, guided by satellite data to identify hotspots, prioritise high-exposure populations, and allocate mitigation resources efficiently. The satellite-derived PM 2.5 data should be formally integrated into NCAP for spatially comprehensive assessment and performance tracking. Also, establishing protocols for validation, periodic updates, and public dissemination of satellite-based estimates will strengthen transparency and enable real-time decision-making in areas lacking ground monitors.
Woman cop injured as Naxalite-planted IED explodes in Chhattisgarhs Sukma
SUKMA: A woman constable was injured when a pressure Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by Naxalites went off in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Thursday, police said. The incident took place on a forested hill at around 1 pm when a team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) and District Force, both units of the state police, was out on an area domination operation from the newly established Gogunda security camp under Keralapal police station limits, an official said. Constable Muchaki Durga of the District Force inadvertently came in contact with the pressure IED, triggering the blast, causing her injuries in her left foot, he said. After being provided preliminary treatment, she was being airlifted to Raipur for further medication, the official said, adding that her condition was stated to be out of danger. Maoists often plant IEDs along the road and dirt tracks in forests to target security personnel during patrolling in the interior pockets of the Bastar region, comprising seven districts, including Sukma. Civilians in the region have also fallen prey to such traps laid by ultras in the past. On June 9 this year, Additional Superintendent of Police (Konta division) Akash Rao Girepunje was killed and two officers were injured after an IED planted by Naxalites at a stone quarry exploded in Sukma district. The central government has resolved to make the country free of the Naxal menace by March 2026.
CM Pinarayi seeks MPs' support for wildlife bill approval, union fund disbursement
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move to facilitate effective centre-state interactions, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged the MPs from the state to intervene for the President's nod in the Wildlife Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill. This permission is instrumental as the bill passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly simplifies the major obstructions in the 11th section of the Wildlife Protection Law 1972. In an online meeting convened on Thursday, the CM also asked the parliamentarians to stress for the disbursement of the central share to be provided to the victims of the human-animal conflict. The meeting was also attended by the state ministers and other officers concerned. Seeking the MP's intervention to reinstate the sum of 6,757 crores and 3,323 crores, which were cut from the state's borrowing limits in the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively, Pinarayi reiterated the stand to increase a state's borrowing limit to 3.5%. Pointing out that the centre only provided 260.56 crores for the Meppadi-Chooralmala rehabilitation against the sought support of 2,221.03 crores, Pinarayi also asked the parliamentarians to help the state avail its deserving share. Urging that the central government should increase their share in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) 2.0, the CM also asked the MPs to intervene to avoid the display of PMAY boards before them. Making an attempt to reduce the duration of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargode rail journey, the CM urged to initiate the third and fourth line survey in the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore section, along with the deployment of Namo Bharat Rapid Rail here. Other key projects, including AIIMS, Attappady Irrigation Project, and the rail projects in the Angamaly-Sabari, Thalassery-Mysore, and Nilambur-Nanjangud routes, should also be highlighted before the union government, the CM stressed. He also mentioned that the point of call for foreign airlines to begin services from the Kannur Airport had not yet been provided, despite repeated requests. The CM also asked the MPs to raise questions in the parliament regarding the central nod for the Kochi Global City (Node 2) as part of the Kochi-Bangalore Industrial Corridor. Seeking interventions to exempt all Khadi products from GST, the CM also said that kerosene must be availed at subsidised rates for fishing requirements. He further noted that the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules 2025 were notified without consulting the opinion of states, as part of which a letter was already sent to the Prime Minister. Disbursement of other funds, including GST loss compensation and a 1000 crore package for foreign returnees, was also discussed in the meeting.
2 Kerala Children Killed As Auto Tries To Avoid Snake On Road, Rolls Over
Two children died after an autorickshaw carrying school students fell into a deep plantation area in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district on Wednesday.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the state Congress leadership is divided on the issue 'accomodating' the discredited party leader Rahul Mamkootathil , Youth Congress state general secretary Sajana B Sajan has approached the Congress high command demanding organisational inquiry against the Palakkad MLA. Sanjana had submitted the complaint to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi. She has reportedly asked the national leadership to conduct an organisational inquiry about the reported allegations of sexual misbehaviour and other issues which have surfaced in the media. Earlier, she had demanded the ouster of discredited MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from the primary membership of the Congress party. Responding to CPM allegations, she said that this is not the time for ordinary Congress workers to defend Rahul. Rahul Mamkootathil is not the problem, his mindset is the real issue, Sajana, who is also a KPCC member, said. Who wants to protect him now? Though the accused has the protection of any top leader, if the party takes a disciplinary action, protection should be provided only after realising the ground reality. Even after the details of sexual assaults were known through the media, the claims by the Congress leadership that the victims did not file a complaint is equivalent to questioning the dignity of victims, she said.She also reminded the party leadership that Rahul was asked to resign from the post of Youth Congress state president by the national leadership of Youth Congress.
SHO fires at KAAPA-listed offender in Thiruvananthapuram after machette attack
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a rare happening, the Station House Officer of Aryancode opened fire at a habitual offender, when the latter tried to attack him using a sharp-edged weapon. SHO Thanzeem Abdul Samad fired at Kiran, who was included in the Kerala Anti Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) list and banished from the district. As per law, Kiran has been barred from entering the district. Despite this he returned to his house in the Aryancode police station limits on Wednesday night. The police got a wind off his presence and went to his residence to detain him. The police planned to take him into custody and then move him to preventive detention for violating KAAPA rules. On Thursday morning, they reached Kiran's residence and requested him to turn him in. However, Kiran did not comply. Instead, he allegedly drew a machette and charged at the SHO. The police alleged that he swung the weapon at the SHO twice , but the officer effectively evaded it by moving away. Despite warning, Kiran again charged at the officer following which he fired at the former. However, the bullet missed its target and Kiran was unhurt. The cops immediately rounded him up and took him into custody.
Rubber tapper from Jharkhand killed in wild elephant attack at Nilambur in Kerala
He was returning along with his co-workers after the days work when the elephant charged at them from behind
About 50 Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu sustain injuries as bus overturns in Keralas Idukki
Condition of one passenger is critical, while others suffered minor injuries in the accident that took place between Kuttikkanam and Valanjakanam in Idukki. The devotees were from Dindigul
Central Labour Codes will not be implemented in Kerala: Minister Sivankutty
The minister said that the Union Labour Ministry had called a meeting of all the states last month and there, Kerala had clearly indicated its stand that it would not implement the labour codes
Stranger Things fever: Before Hawkins there was Kerala
As 'Stranger Things' Season 5 nears, a look back at India's pioneering supernatural film, 'My Dear Kuttichathan'. Released in 1984, this Malayalam classic offered India its first 3D cinematic experience, featuring a mischievous spirit, a dark sorcerer, and a magical parallel world. The film captivated audiences with its groundbreaking visuals and heartwarming story, setting a benchmark for Indian filmmaking.
Family of late Kerala dalit activist Chitralekha faces eviction after bank issues foreclosure notice
Kannur Co-operative Urban Bank, controlled by Congress-led management committee, has ordered the family to vacate the house by December 7, warning that it will be seized on December 18 if the dues remain unpaid
Kerala local body polls: BJP removes IPS tag from campaign material of former DGP R. Sreelekha
Kerala local body elections: High Court verdict may reflect on Munambam poll result
Within hours of the High Court allowing their long-standing demand for restoration of revenue rights for their holdings, six Munambam residents remitted property tax, with the remaining one set to follow suit. All three fronts have claimed credit for the development which came on the 410th day of the residents protest
The LDF, in keeping with its recent trend, has fielded a number of fresh faces, seeking to continue in power, while the UDF has announced its candidates much ahead of others, hoping for a revival from its below-par performance last time. The BJP has fielded a good number of the sitting councillors compared to the two fronts, aiming to extend its good run
Kowdiar to witness high-voltage contest with no clear favourite
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kowdiar ward in Thiruvananthapuram corporation has emerged as one of the most unpredictable battlegrounds of this election, with the Congress, BJP and LDF fielding some of their strongest candidates. The spotlight intensified after the Congress fielded former MLA and mayoral candidate K S Sabarinadhan in this ward, raising the stakes for the party. We have a strong base, and the mood is favourable. We expect a high-margin victory, said Sabarinadhan. Congress workers also believe the public sentiment is leaning towards them. To counter the Congress, both the BJP and the LDF have fielded heavyweight candidates of their own. The BJP, hoping to overturn its narrow defeat in 2020 when it lost by just one vote has fielded experienced Sasthamangalam councillor S Madhusudanan Nair, who is aiming for victory in Kowdiar this time. There is strong resentment against the ruling front, and Congress too is losing its grip. The UDF councillors failed to raise their voices against the shortcomings of the Left-led council. Only the BJP consistently acted as an effective opposition. Voters are aware of this, and the overall election mood in the city is not favourable for either the LDF or the UDF. So we will win this ward, Madhusudanan Nair said. The LDF is banking on former Kowdiar councillor A Sunilkumar, the only local resident from the ward among the three candidates. Confident of reconnecting with familiar voters, he said, Everyone here knows me and my family. I am confident I can repeat my 2005 victory. With three prominent candidates, shifting voter loyalties and emotionally charged campaigns, Kowdiar has turned into one of the toughest and most unpredictable contests in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections. For the Congress, with a key face contesting, the outcome in this ward carries added political significance.
Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 27, 2025 Live: Karunya Plus KN- 599 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 27-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Karunya Plus KN- 599 for Thursday, November 27. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Labour code: Minister Sivankutty to meet trade union leaders on November 27
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In what could become the next big tussle between the state and Union governments, Labour Minister V Sivankutty said that a meeting will be held with all major trade unions on Thursday, in light of the Labour Code, which has come into effect from Friday. Though a draft policy of the Labour Code was earlier prepared by the officers due to pressure from the Union government Sivankutty in a press conference here on Wednesday said that none of this will be implemented in the state. Reiterating that any further move in the labour code will be taken after proper discussion with the trade unions, the minister said that a PM SHRI-model issue will not happen in the labour code. The minister also said that a meeting was held with the chief minister on Wednesday morning, in which he directed the labour department to move in the current direction. The ministers remarks came on the same day when trade unions organised protests in different parts of the country regarding the new labour code. The states were forced to draft the labour code laws in 2020. However, we discontinued the proceedings after the trade union leaders raised strong criticism in their workshop against the anti-employee nature of the code, the minister said. Sivankutty also stated that he had raised the concerns of the trade unions before the Union Labour Minister earlier this month. Though the Union minister said that he will hold a meeting with the trade unions as part of this, the notification was suddenly released without meeting union representatives, he added. In a move to attain national attention on this issue, Sivankutty also informed that a National Labour Conclave is scheduled on December 19 in Thiruvananthapuram. Ministers from non-BJP-ruled states will also be invited to take part in this, he said.
Gastroenterology department of Thiruvananthapuram MCH flags shortage of doctors
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr Ramesh Rajan, head of the Surgical Gastroenterology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, has raised concerns over a shortage of doctors in his unit. In a letter to the college principal Dr P K Jabbar, Dr Rajan stated that due to staff crunch his department is unable to spare doctors to assist with surgeries in the General Surgery Department. Surgeons typically seek support from Gastro Surgery specialists for procedures involving critical conditions such as pancreatitis or liver injuries. However, hospital authorities have downplayed the issue. The number of doctors is not optimal, but at no point has there been a denial of treatment. We have provisions to arrange alternatives. The principal has taken steps to recruit more staff and has reported the vacancies to the PSC, said an official of the hospital. He also said that only in rare instances do surgeons seek the help of a Surgical gastroenterologist.
The CJI-led Bench commenced on November 26 the final hearing on a larger issue on legality and validity of the ECI's decision to undertake the revision of electoral rolls.
The Rahul Mankootathil Row: In Kerala, Congress Faces An Unwanted Distraction In Election Season
The Grand Old Party will have to decide whether it wants to win one seat in Palakkad or emerge victorious in the state
Sabarimala gold theft row: SIT records statements of thantris
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Special Investigation Team probing the Sabarimala gold theft case has recorded the statements of Sabarimala thantris Kandararu Mohanararu and Kandararu Rajeevararu. The SIT had summoned them to record their statements after former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar and other co-accused, who were arrested, testified before the interrogators that the gold-plated sheets were stripped off the artefacts and moved out of the temple precincts after obtaining the consent of the thantris. The SIT, sources said, inquired whether the two had prior knowledge about the plan to move the sheets. They replied that the decision was taken by the board and conveyed to them in order to seek their sanction to move the temple property to outside. Their sanction was sought since they have the supreme authority in terms of the rituals and customs of the temple. Also, the artefacts have to be dismantled to remove the plates and for that deva preethi had to be ascertained. It was for this purpose their consent was sought, the thantris told the SIT, sources added. Regarding the main accused Unnikrishnan Potti, they said they knew him since he became the assistant of a junior priest of Sabarimala in 2008. However, the thantris said they never had any financial dealings with him nor were they aware of his shady dealings.
Amid stir, Kerala University dean nominated to court of Pondicherry varsity
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: C N Vijayakumari, Dean of Oriental Studies and Head of the Department of Sanskrit in Kerala University, who is facing charges of showing caste bias towards a researcher from the Scheduled Caste category, has been nominated by President Droupadi Murmu as a member of the Court of Pondicherry University. The court is the apex body of the central university. Vijayakumari is the first academic from the University of Kerala to be nominated by the President to the post. Meanwhile, fresh protests erupted in Kerala University against Vijayakumari when the senior academic returned to the varsitys Kariavattom campus amid the controversy. SFI workers gheraoed Vijayakumari for an hour as part of the protest. They also shouted slogans against Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnumal, to whom Vijayakumari submitted a complaint that pointed out serious academic defects in the Sanskrit thesis of researcher Vipin Vijayan. However, the researcher alleged that Viayakumari had objected to awarding a PhD degree to him owing to caste bias. Vijayakumari has been charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act.
Hospitals shouldnt deny care over failure to pay fees: Kerala High Court
KOCHI: Hospitals should not deny initial life-saving care to a patient on the grounds of non-payment of advance fee or lack of documents, ordered a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. Considering an appeal filed by private hospital managements and Indian Medical Association challenging the order issued by a single judge on implementation of certain provisions of the Kerala Clinical Establishments Act, 2018, the bench of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice V M Syamkumar ordered that the hospital authorities should ensure that all investigation reports pertaining to the treatment are handed over to the patient along with discharge summary at the time of discharge. The hospitals should ensure safe transfer of the patient to a higher centre with proper documentation and communication when indicated. The hospitals should display, at the reception and on its website, the list of services offered and the baseline and package rates for commonly performed procedures with a note that unforeseen complications or additional procedures will be itemised. All information regarding key facilities, including bed categories, availability of ICU and operation theatre, laboratory facilities and ambulance should be provided. A summary of patients rights, including emergency care, informed consent, confidentiality, access to medical records and grievance redressal pathway should be displayed, the order said.
Sabarimala: Smooth darshan continues, footfall nears 10 lakh mark
PATHANAMTHITTA: On the 11th day of the Mandala-Makaravilakku season, devotees experienced a peaceful darshan at Sabarimala as spot-booking regulations continued to keep the crowd flow under control. By 7 pm on Wednesday, 72,385 pilgrims had climbed the Holy Steps, taking the seasons total footfall to 9,40,486 - inching close to the 10-lakh mark. Tuesday recorded a footfall of over 95,000 devotees, while effective crowd management and decisive measures of the Travancore Devaswom Board ensured hassle-free darshan for all. A cap of 5,000 spot bookings was enforced on Tuesday and officials indicated that the limit may be relaxed in the coming days if the crowd remains manageable. Pilgrims are being permitted from Pampa in accordance with the density at Sannidhanam, which has significantly reduced waiting time and ensured smooth darshan. A large number of devotees continue to opt for the traditional forest trekking route to reach the hill shrine. Traversing the rugged terrain of the Sabarimala woods has become a spiritually enriching experience, devotees say. More than a thousand pilgrims are now reaching Sannidhanam every day via this 13-km long Vandiperiyar-Uppupara-Pullumedu trail, with most taking over five hours to complete the climb. Forest and police departments have strengthened safety arrangements along the route. Every morning around 7 am, forest personnel patrol the path to ensure there is no wildlife presence before allowing the movement of pilgrims. Electric lights and drinking water points have been installed along the pathway. When pilgrims begin their trek, each group is issued a token with the exact head count. The token is verified at every check post till the final one at Pandithavalam near the shrine, ensuring that all trekkers complete the journey safely. Entry from the Sathram is permitted only until 1 pm, and officials escort the last batch to the shrine. Return trekking towards Sathram is allowed up to 11 am daily. To address medical emergencies en route, an NDRF rescue team is on constant standby.
Autorickshaw plunges into ravine in Pathanamthitta, two schoolchildren die
PATHANAMTHITTA: Two children died after an autorickshaw carrying schoolchildren overturned and plunged into a ravine at Thumpakkulam, near Thannithode, in Pathanamthitta district on Wednesday evening. The deceased were identified as Adhyalakshmi (8) and Yadu Krishnan (4), both students of Sree Narayana School, Karimanthode. According to police, the driver stated that the vehicle--which was taking the children back from school--slid off the road when he tried to avoid a snake that suddenly appeared in front. Fire and rescue services personnel said the autorickshaw fell nearly 150 feet into a wooded area, with the accident happening around 4.30 pm. As the hilly area is extremely remote with no regular public transport, schoolchildren rely mainly on autorickshaws and jeeps for commuting. Officials said Adhyalakshmi died instantly as the autorickshaw rolled over her before falling into the gorge. The driver sustained minor injuries and is undergoing treatment. There were six children in the autorickshaw at the time of the accident. However, confusion initially arose over the number of students as local residents who rushed to rescue the victims prioritised shifting the injured to hospitals rather than verifying those inside the vehicle. It was initially assumed that only five children were in the vehicle. The search for Yadu Krishnan began only after his parents were unable to find their child in the hospital, triggering a frantic operation. Konni MLA Jenish Kumar, who reached the spot and coordinated rescue efforts, directed fire and rescue services personnel to immediately comb the rock-filled slopes and the stream below the hill as the accident site lies in an isolated forest region. Search operations were carried out using generators and floodlights, with the assistance of local residents and police. One child is in a critical condition and undergoing advanced treatment in a private hospital in Tiruvalla. She has rib fractures, partial lung damage without internal bleeding, and leg fractures. Another child with a hand fracture has been admitted to the Kottayam medical college hospital. One child has been discharged. The mother of one of the children too was in the vehicle but has no major injuries, the MLA said. He said local people rushed to the spot when the woman in the autorickshaw cried out for help. They were unaware how many people were inside the vehicle, Jenish said, adding that the woman is in a state of shock. Amid the darkness, after over two hours of intense search, our team eventually located Yadu Krishnans body inside a rock cavity deep in the ravine, said V Vinod Kumar, Pathanamthitta fire station officer.
Next destination: Valiamala Crater, Mars P.O.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For decades, the joke has been that Neil Armstrong was beaten to the moon by a Malayali tea vendor. But when humanity sets foot on Mars, landforms named after places in the state will be waiting for them. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has, in a first, approved names of Kerala localities Valiamala, Thumba, Bekal, Varkala and Periyar as well as of noted geologist M S Krishnan, to identify various craters on the red planet. Kerala-based researchers Prof Rajesh V J from the department of earth and space sciences, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, and Asif Iqbal Kakkassery, a former IIST research scholar who is currently the assistant geology professor at Government College in Kasaragod had jointly submitted the proposal. The research at IIST on an unnamed crater in the Xanthe Terra region of Mars had identified signs of ancient glacial processes and fluvial activity. Krishnans name was proposed for a 3.5-billion-year-old crater located in a region where evidence of ancient glaciation was scientifically established. The team also proposed several Kerala-based names for nearby Martian landforms. Although many names were initially rejected due to pronunciation and compliance issues related to IAU naming conventions, persistent documentation and review ultimately resulted in the approval of the names, including Valiamala, the home of IIST, Rajesh said. IAU guidelines say large, significant Martian craters may be named after late scientists who made significant contributions to planetary science. Krishnan Crater, Periyar Vallis also okayed Smaller craters may be named after towns or villages, provided they are easy to pronounce and have historical or cultural relevance, according to the IAU guidelines. The plain inside Krishnan Crater has been officially named Krishnan Palus, and a channel cutting across it has been named Periyar Vallis, Rajesh said. Following the naming of Krishnan Crater, the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature also approved four nearby small craters: Valiamala, Thumba, Varkala, and Bekal. Last year, three Martian craters were named after renowned Indian cosmic ray physicist Devendra Lal and the towns of Mursan (UP) and Hilsa (Bihar). These were situated in the planets Tharsis volcanic region.
INTERVIEW| There is a visible change in approach towards BJP
KOCHI: The BJPs campaign for the local-body elections is focused on development issues, state general secretary Anoop Antony says in a conversation with TNIE, adding that political equations in the state has changed. Excerpts: The BJP has not been able to corner power in Kerala, where politics has been largely bipolar. What is your strategy for this election? The equations have changed. We have focused our campaign on development issues. There are concerns that have been neglected by both fronts. There is a visible change in the approach towards the BJP. There is a strong sentiment against the gold theft at Sabarimala and the state government is facing backlash from devotees. This will work in our favour. What are your expectations? In the previous election, we wrested control of 19 panchayats and two municipalities. This time round, the NDA will rule Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur corporations, besides hundreds of panchayats and several municipalities. We are presenting a novel concept of new-age governance. The focus will be on weeding out corruption and bringing the benefits of hitherto unknown central schemes to the common man. We organised development seminars in all local bodies and compiled suggestions of projects to be taken up. We will be releasing the development documents for each local body within a week. What is special about BJPs election manifesto? In local bodies where the BJP will be in majority, the party will introduce a development blueprint within 45 days. The document will have details of development projects that will be implemented over the next five years. But people will also evaluate the partys performance... I accept there were internal issues in Palakkad and Pandalam. But those were resolved amicably without impacting governance. Palakkad is the first municipality in Kerala to be brought under blanket CCTV surveillance. Both Palakkad and Pandalam ensured that the benefits of central schemes reach the common man. We are fighting the election highlighting our achievements. The BJP has been trying to woo the Christian community. Do you believe the outreach will deliver results? There has been a change in the approach of the Christian community. We have fielded a large number of minority candidates this time. The shift in Christian votes will definitely benefit the NDA. The BJP is the single-largest party contesting this election as we have fielded candidates in 19,871 wards.
Shifting gears: Keralas EV wave surges despite hike in road tax
KOCHI: Keralas appetite for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing faster than ever. With 95,899 vehicles registered in 2025, the state has so far added 12,631 more EVs than in the wthole of last year - with still over a month to go. This is up over 15% annually, a big leap from 2024s 9.83%. The trend is led overwhelmingly by electric two-wheelers, which have become the new favourite of Keralas young commuters, gig workers and even families looking to cut fuel costs. Dealers say the shift in public mood over the past two years has been dramatic. In the beginning, customers were hesitant. Range anxiety was huge, says Noble Jacob M, vice president (projects) at EVM Group. But post-2023, the mindset flipped. EV two-wheelers started selling faster than we expected. Price corrections played a major role in this behavioural shift. In several brands, the gap between petrol or diesel variants and their electric frameworks or systems designed to simulate or perform specific tasks once over 50% higher has now dropped to less than 25%, making EVs significantly more approachable. And the low noise, vibration and harshness levels make EVs extremely comfortable for everyday use, Noble adds. If the sales figures are any indication, nothing not even the 2025 road tax revision has managed to slow down enthusiasm in the state. EVs that cost up to Rs 15 lakh still attract a 5% tax, but those priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh now fall under 8%, and models above Rs 20 lakh attract 10%. Yet, August of this year saw 10,904 new EV registrations, the highest monthly tally in the states history. Dealers attribute the boom not just to affordability, but also to the expanding range. The market has far more players now, says Manoj Kurup, secretary of the Kerala Automobile Dealers Association. However, the flip side is that infrastructure has not kept pace. Home-charging is common, but apartment residents especially in cities are still struggling. Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam says public mindset has undergone a fundamental shift. Todays EVs are far more efficient. That has boosted confidence. Our taxes are still lower than those on fossil-fuel vehicles. And Kerala will soon be ready to embrace fuel-cell technology as well. With monthly sales in 2025 displaying consistent strength from 8,113 in January to 9,141 in October and 7,039 in November Keralas EV story isnt just about numbers. Its about a state decisively nudging towards an electric future, one scooter and one car at a time, say industry officials.
Sobering reality! Viral video exposes drunk bus crew on inter-state routes
KOZHIKODE: A late-night journey on a private bus from Kozhikode to Bengaluru has ignited a major public safety concern after a video showing a drunk bus driver and cleaner went viral. What began with an alert raised by a vigilant passenger has now opened the floodgates, with travellers across states sharing alarming accounts of similar experiences, revealing a deeply troubling pattern in long-distance private bus travel. The incident occurred on November 24, when passengers on a bus operated by Bharati Travels noticed erratic driving soon after departure. It was Ahamed Sanobar, a Kozhikode native, who first realised something was terribly wrong. The cleaner was completely drunk and had no consciousness. The driver too was heavily drunk, Sanobar said, recalling the moment he confronted the crew. Despite passengers pleading with him to stop, the driver allegedly continued speeding, putting the lives of more than 35 passengers at grave risk. He was driving fast and risking the lives of everyone. We had to fight with the driver to make him stop, he added. The bus was halted only after passengers intervened forcefully. Sanobar later filed a complaint with the police. The vehicle resumed its journey to Bengaluru only after a replacement driver arrived from the city. Once footage of the confrontation was posted online, it quickly drew thousands of views and comments. Social media platforms were soon flooded with similar stories from travellers who had experienced unsafe behaviour by private bus crews, especially on interstate routes. Many reported instances of drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, sleep-deprived drivers on overnight journeys, unsafe speeds on highways, aggressive or unresponsive crew members and poorly maintained buses despite high fares. One user wrote, We were terrified to complain. The driver kept dozing off, and the cleaner was drunk. We just prayed through the night. The timing of this incident has intensified public anger. With trains to Bengaluru fully booked during the rush season, passengers are forced to turn to private buses, many charging inflated fares with no guarantee of safety. The lack of regulation and accountability has turned essential interstate travel into a life-threatening risk, passengers say. Majority of accidents happen this way. Strict action and frequent inspections from motor vehicle departments across states are urgently needed to prevent such reckless behaviour, Sanobar urged in his complaint. Experts and commuter groups are now calling for mandatory breathalyser tests for long-route drivers, night-time inspection squads along major interstate routes, stricter enforcement of crew duty hours, fines and cancellation of licences for operators who violate safety norms. Police have confirmed receiving the complaint and have begun an initial investigation.
Discord among senior leaders over Rahul Mamkootathil puts Congress in a fix
KOTTAYAM: At the peak of a crucial local body election campaign, the discord among senior Congress leaders over suspended Youth Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil has placed the UDF in a challenging situation. As electioneering heats up, concerns are mounting among second-tier and grassroot-level party leaders that conflicting statements from senior leaders could backfire in the elections. They argue that while the door-to-door campaign is progressing across the state, the perceived disunity among leaders is a dampener. The concerns stem from contradictory remarks from former KPPC presidents such as K Sudhakaran and K Muraleedharan, regarding Mamkootathil who is facing allegations of sexual misconduct. Sudhakaran has publicly supported Mamkootathil, asserting his innocence and advocating his active return to politics. In contrast, Muraleedharan has emphasised that the young leader remains under suspension and is not permitted to share platforms with party leaders. According to other leaders, the situation has fostered a negative perception among the public about unity, or the lack of it, in the party. Regardless of the issue, senior leaders making contradictory statements during an election season can undermine the morale of the partys rank and file. Senior leaders should acknowledge the concerns of grassroots members, especially during elections. Failure to do so could inflict irreparable damage on the Congress and the UDF, said Tomy Kallani, KPCC general secretary. According to party insiders, senior leaders are attempting to settle personal scores even during a critical election period. They believe that Sudhakarans recent statement is part of a move against Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan. Some speculate that by supporting Mamkootathil, who has positioned himself against Satheesan, Sudhakaran aims to target the Leader of Opposition. However, it is crucial to recognise that such statements could negatively affect the UDF as a whole, said a leader. Those raising concerns over spats between senior leaders are seeking the intervention of Congress national leaders to maintain decorum during campaigning. Earlier, Mamkootathil, the Palakkad MLA, had personally met almost every senior leader in the Congress to explain his position in the sexual misconduct scandal. However, the emergence of a new audio clip concerning his conversation with a woman has intensified the scandal, placing him in an increasingly challenging position.
KOCHI: For the people of Munambam, the past four years were nothing short of a waking nightmare. Life turned upside down in 2019 when, without warning, the Kerala Waqf Board formally registered their land as waqf property. The move went unnoticed for months. COVID lockdowns muted all government transactions. People continued living in their homes, unaware that the ground beneath them had quietly been marked as someone elses. Then came 2021 the year the earth slipped from under their feet. When some residents walked into village offices to pay their routine land tax, they were turned away. The message was blunt, almost surreal: This is not your land. It is waqf property. Everything came to a stop for us. We have been living in hell, says 51-year-old Laiji Antony. It felt like our homes built with our lifes savings were slipping away. Without revenue rights, residents couldnt pay land tax, couldnt pledge property for loans, couldnt even dream of selling or legally transferring land. A brief flicker of relief came in 2022 when a single bench of the High Court allowed residents to resume paying taxes. But the joy evaporated overnight. The order was stayed immediately after an appeal by the Kerala Waqf Protection Forum. By 2023, the legal battlefield expanded. Farook College management challenged the Waqf Boards registration before the Waqf Tribunal. Residents who had purchased land from the college filed petitions in the High Court seeking restoration of tax payment rights. The Munambam Land Protection Council, representing the families, took the fight to the court and to the streets. Helpless but unyielding, they launched a relay hunger strike in October 2024 at the Kadappuram Velankanni Matha Church. The agitation entered the 410th day on Wednesday, says 60-year-old Shiny Martin. That faith thickened into hope on October 9, 2025, when the Kerala High Court ruled that the Munambam land was not waqf property. That was the first ray of light, Shiny says. A sign from the Almighty. On Wednesday, the High Court granted temporary restoration of revenue rights. Taxes could finally be paid. Lives could begin to move again. We are leaving the agitation pandal, our home for the past 410 days, with happiness, says 92-year-old Mary. Now, Munambam waits for one last milestone the final verdict. After four years of fear, they finally dare to believe the nightmare may truly be ending. TIMELINE 1962: Local residents file case in Paravur Sub Court challenging Farook Colleges ownership 1967: O.S. No. 53/1967 filed in Paravur Subordinate Judges Court questioning waqf status 1971: Court rules in favour of Farook College 1975: Kerala High Court upholds ruling; land treated as waqf property at the time 2008: Complaint by Nassir Manayil alleging encroachment triggers Waqf Board inquiry 2019: Waqf Board registers property as waqf land (Sept 25); move later challenged 2022: HC Single Bench briefly allows residents to pay property tax; order stayed on appeal 2023: Farook College files two petitions before Waqf Tribunal against Waqf Boards registration 2023: Residents file HC petitions seeking acceptance of land tax Oct 10, 2025: HC rules Munambam land is not waqf property Nov 26, 2025: HC single bench grants temporary revenue rights pending final verdict
Could defer date of post-SIR draft roll in TN, WB: SC
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would not hesitate to extend the deadline for the publication of the draft electoral rolls in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu if the petitioners make a strong case, while the Election Commission of India (ECI) claimed that some political parties were trying to create a scare about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the oral observation while hearing petitions challenging the SIR exercise in the two states. The remark about extending the deadline for publication of the draft rolls came after the parties appearing in the SIR for West Bengal raised concerns about the court fixing the next date of hearing to December 9, which they claimed was the date for publication of the draft roll as per the SIR schedule. So what? If you make out a case, then we can direct them to extend the date. Can that date (publication of draft roll) be a ground for the court to say we dont have any power now? Court can always say, the CJI said. For its part, the ECI told the court that some political parties are creating a scare about the SIR being undertaken Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Kerala. Political parties are creating unnecessary scare, the poll panel said. Advocate Prashant Bhushan said the SIR was being conducted in a great hurry. The bench asked the ECI to file its counter-affidavit to the petitions relating to Tamil Nadu and West Bengal by December 4 and December 9, respectively. The bench also posted the pleas seeking deferment of the Kerala SIR to December 2, while asking the ECI and State Election Commission to file their responses by December 1. SIR in Tamil Nadu has been challenged by DMK, CPI(M), and actor Vijays TVK. The AlADMK, on the other hand, has filed an application supporting the SIR. During the hearing, the bench observed that the EC has inherent power to determine correctness of entry in Form 6. The hearing will continue on Thursday. Reason to challenge not good enough That the SIR was never conducted before is not a ground to challenge the Election Commissions decision to carry out this exercise in several states, the SC said
BJP takes IPS sheen off ex-DGPs election posters
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following a complaint by the Aam Aadmi Party candidate, the BJP has started removing the IPS tag from the campaign posters of its star candidate, former DGP R Sreelekha, in Thiruvananthapuram corporation. Contesting from the same ward Sasthamangalam as Sreelekha, AAPs Reshmi T S raised the issue of the IPS tag with the returning officer on Tuesday morning. While clarifying that she did not receive any intimation from the authorities, Sreelekha said she was unaware of any legal provisions that bar one from using such terms for an election campaign. The IPS tag displayed on posters and banners is now being either blackened with paint or mentioned alongside the term Retd. Terming the use of the tag a grievous offence from someone who has held one of the highest law and order offices in the state, Reshmi said that cannot be seen as an accidental mistake. After I filed the complaint, the term started disappearing from the banners, she said. At the same time, Reshmi said she had not received any official information about any action taken on her complaint. Responding to the issue, Sreelekha said she was not formally asked to take down the tag from any promotional material. Im unaware of any law that bars one from using their job tag. If so, we shouldnt see posters with Adv tags to advocates either, Sreelekha told the TNIE. Stressing that people know her even without the IPS tag, Sreelekha said she had asked party members to mention the term IPS (Retd) on graffiti alone. I only asked my party workers to either take off the banners from the premises of the complainants home or to paint off the IPS part if that disturbs her, the former DGP added.
Manjeshwar panchayat, where independents had the last laugh
KASARGOD: In the local body elections of 2020, the LDF wrested power in 19 of the 39 panchayats in Kasaragod district, while the UDF assumed office in 15 and the BJP in three. Curiously, Manjeshwar panchayat landed in the hands of independent candidates, even as the BJP and the IUML were expected to fight tooth and nail to win the local body. The incumbent panchayat president Gean Lavina Monteiro won as an independent from Guddekeri with the support of the UDF while the vice-president, Mohammad Siddiq, won as an independent from Kanila. While Guddekeri had elected an independent even in 2015, Kanila was with the IUML. In an interesting turn of events, Monteiro received the backing of the BJP to become the president, after the BJP and the IUML secured six seats each. IUML workers have been blaming the SDPI, which has increased its count from a single seat to two, for playing spoilsport. The IUML-led UDF had won Manjeshwar in the 2010 and 2015 local elections while the BJP emerged as the major opposition party. SDPI works to defeat the League even when it tolerates Sangh elements winning the elections, said a League worker, who preferred not to be named. Manjeshwar panchayat borders Karnatakas Dakshina Kannada district, a BJP bastion. The BJP has been active in the region for long and striving to wrest Manjeshwar from the UDF, especially from the League. The LDF has little presence though the CPI and the CPM could secure one ward each in the 2020 elections. The Congress held two wards -- Vamanjoor Gudde and Udyawar Gudde -- in 2015 but lost them to the BJP, leaving its ally IUML with just six wards, the same as the BJP. The tie enabled the BJP to engineer a situation that ousted the IUML from power. The League lost four wards -- Gerukatte, Kanila, Bangara Manjeshwar, and Udyawar to independents in the 2020 elections. This time, the BJP is determined to win Manjeshwar panchayat and Kasaragod municipality. Even LDF and UDF would come together to defeat BJP because they are so scared, BJP district president Ashwini M L had declared after the elections were announced. Winning in Manjeshwar is top priority for us, Ashwini told TNIE. Meanwhile, the UDF is gearing up to take back the panchayat. The League has the support of the common people, especially the working classes. We will win the panchayat again, said K M K Abdul Rahiman, the League candidate from Kadapuram ward. With delimitation having increased the number of wards in Manjeshwar panchayat to 24 from 21, it will be interesting to watch if the independents impact the final tally yet again.
SC segregates SIR pleas, seeks responses from poll panel, Kerala, Bengal and Tamil Nadu
Labour court dismisses former Keltron employees plea
Protests held against anti-worker Labour Codes
Para powerlifter claims being framed by police in assault case
Its IUML vs others in Ponmundam panchayat
IUML is fielding candidates for 16 of the 18 seats under its official ladder symbol, while the Congress and the CPI(M) are contesting only through Independent candidates
Constitution Day celebrated at Kerala University
Jharkhand migrants denied five months' wages in Cameroon, seek urgent government intervention
RANCHI: Five migrant workers from Hazaribagh and Giridih districts of Jharkhand are stranded in Cameroon after not being paid their wages for the past five months. In a video message sent to their families, the workers said they have run out of money and are facing serious difficulties in managing accommodation and food. In the video, the stranded workers described their plight and appealed for their immediate repatriation to India. Speaking to TNIE , one of the migrants said that despite repeated requests, they have been denied their wages by the company they were working for. We have been running from pillar to post to get our hard-earned money. We contacted the company management, they said that the outsource company will pay your wages, and when we asked the outsource company for it, they said that they dont have the money to pay us, asking us to stop the work, said Sunil Mahto, one of the migrants stranded in Cameroon. According to Mahto, after the outsourcing company asked them to stop working on 19 November, they have been sitting idle in a foreign country and struggling for food and accommodation. Mahto said they reached Cameroon in MarchApril for livelihood opportunities but have been denied their wages, which he described as very painful. They had been working for Kalpataru Project International Limited and were hired by the outsourcing firm, Shubhra Engineering Services and Sales Limited, based in Kerala. We were told in India that we will be working from the company, but after reaching there, we found that we have been hired by the outsource company. When we demanded an agreement letter in India, we were told that it will be provided to us only after reaching the site, said Mahto. He added that officials of the outsourcing company are now not picking up their phone calls. Mahto said they were hired to lay power transmission lines in the central African country. When contacted, officials in the State Migrant Control Room said they have sought documents of the five migrants and are taking up the issue with the Indian Embassy in Cameroon to arrange for their safe return. The stranded migrant workers have been identified as Sunil Mahato, Sukar Mahato, Chandrashekhar Kumar and Deelo Mahato, all residents of Bishnugarh (Unchaghana) in Hazaribagh, and Dilchand Mahato, a resident of Dumri in Giridih district. Earlier, as many as 48 workers from Giridih, Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts were stranded in Tunisia for six months under extremely difficult conditions. In a video message on 30 October, those workers had sought help from the Indian government for their safe return. They were finally brought home after government intervention.
HC orders Calicut University to convene Senate meeting in 30 days
A Bench of Justice V.G. Arun issued the directive on a petition filed by the State government, challenging notifications issued by the Governor, in his capacity as Chancellor, on the appointment of a new V-C for the varsity
MGS Narayanan Award for K. Gopalankutty
Dr. Gopalankutty has won the inaugural edition of the award for his contributions to historiography
75 kg of suspected ganja seized, six held in Kochi
Hospital authorities ought to also ensure that, along with the discharge summary, all investigation reports pertaining to the treatment too have to be handed over to enable patient to maintain proper records, says Division Bench of the High Court
Two schoolchildren killed as auto plunges into stream in Pathanamthitta
UDF hopes to continue its winning streak as LDF sees a silver lining in Palarivattom
LDF says Congress rebel Joseph Alexs entry as an Independent will work in its favour, while the UDF maintains that his presence will barely affect its vote bank in the division; BJP is promising solutions to drug and mosquito menace
Senior Cong. leader Sudhakaran against destroying Mamkoothathils political future
Nominated to Pondicherry University Court
Thiruvananthapuram Corporations tussle with Railways over waste dumping intensifies
President to be chief guest at Navy Day celebrations on Dec. 3 at Shangumugham
As a prelude to the December 3 Navy Day celebrations and Operational Demo, the Naval Band performed at the Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
Kerala HC rejects anticipatory bail plea of businessman charged under PMLA
Bindu airs concern over student involvement in SIR exercise
They do not vote for us: Kerala BJP chief on lack of Muslim ministers; announces outreach push
Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar stated the absence of Muslim ministers in the Union cabinet reflects electoral mandate, not exclusion, as Muslims do not vote for us. He emphasized the party's ongoing efforts to build trust and counter decades of misconception-driven narratives through outreach, asserting BJP's commitment to constitutional values and democracy.
Two held for alleged sale of banned tobacco products in Kozhikode
Rights panel tells govt. to disburse travel aid to HIV patients
The Commission issued the directive after an HIV patient from Malappuram complained that travelling to Thrissur to collect medicines was difficult without financial support
Kerala local body elections 2025: 33,711 polling stations getting ready in Kerala
Postal ballots will be issued only to officials on election duty, says State Election Commission
Housing schemes emerge as a key concern in door-to-door campaigns in Kozhikode
Most grievances centred on unfinished or delayed housing projects, as rural voters conveyed their frustration to visiting candidates
Labour Codes an attack equivalent to genocide on workers: Rajendran
Protest organised against Labour Codes in Thrissur
Special Intensive Revision: digitisation nears half-way mark in Kerala
Bunty Chor detained in Thiruvananthapuram
Treasury freeze on CAS arrear bills sparks discontent within teaching community
Tributes paid to IPKF personnel
The event included a wreath-laying ceremony and a memorial service in front of the War Memorial
Kerala local body polls: Development key poll plank in Kalamassery
Kerala native held with methamphetamine in Coimbatore
Minister inaugurates National Milk Day celebrations
No need to frame rules for implementing labour codes, says Elamaram Kareem
The CITU leader says that options will be explored against implementing the new laws
5,278 candidates in Kottayam, with women leading the charge
Kerala mulling review petition on SC ruling on setting up primary schools: Minister
Minister says Kerala is much ahead of northern States when it comes to educational facilities. Government and aided schools function within a radius of 1-2 km of the majority of the populated areas in the State
Kerala local body elections 2025: A shawl, a snapshot, and a swift return
Youth Congress leader Akhil Omanakuttan firmly maintains that he never joined the BJP, despite a photograph doing the rounds that shows him smiling with a saffron shawl draped around his shoulder
Court grants anticipatory bail to Anil Akkara in divider demolition case
