256 criminal cases pending against lawmakers of Kerala

As many as 256 criminal cases are pending against MPs, including sitting or former MPs and MLAs of Kerala, till April 4, 2026. According to the state police, the trial has not yet begun in a majority of such cases due to the delay in serving summons and warrants to the defendants.

The delay in completing legal proceedings against the MPs came to light when the Supreme Court requested a report from the Registrar (district judiciary) on their standing in various special courts set up to hear cases. The report stated that 22 cases against MPs have been delayed for more than two years, and nine cases have been pending for more than five years due to delay in executing subpoenas and arrest warrants. The court requested the State police to execute the arrest warrants in these 31 pending cases.

According to another report submitted by the Kerala Police to the Supreme Court, 247 cases are pending and 9 are under investigation. The court started suo motu Proceedings in the case are ongoing following the directive of the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the progress of ongoing criminal cases against sitting MPs or former MPs or MLAs.

The numerous cases filed against the legislators include charges of unlawful assembly, rioting and offenses against public peace, and were initiated following public protests organized by them. A few face serious charges. The Registrar also pointed out that despite the appointment of Nodal Officers in the Police Department, there was delay in execution of summons and arrest warrants.

Guidelines for courts

The Supreme Court had established some general guidelines for the courts in order to complete investigations, conduct trials and conclude cases as soon as possible.

The High Courts were instructed to first consider criminal cases against MPs and MPs, which attract death or life imprisonment, then cases that attract imprisonment, and finally other cases.

The regional judiciary must provide adequate infrastructure for the rapid conclusion of cases. The top court had also directed to create a standalone tab on the Supreme Court website providing district-wise information on these matters.