What happened in Kerala

Kerala’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the Kerala government is examining whether it should withdraw criminal cases registered during statewide protests that supported demonstrations in New Delhi over alleged NEET examination paper leaks. The Leader of the Opposition, Pinarayi Vijayan, wrote to Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan asking for withdrawal of nearly 5,000 cases. Ramesh Chennithala said the Kerala government forwarded the matter to the State Police Chief for review and stated that the Kerala government has “no interest in continuing such cases.”

Ramesh Chennithala also stated a boundary for any withdrawal decision: cases involving serious criminal offences may not be withdrawn. Ramesh Chennithala further stated that a police officer has already been suspended in connection with the alleged custodial death of Siyad, a bus driver in Kundara, after assault allegations.

Background and earlier position

Kerala held statewide protests in solidarity with demonstrations in New Delhi associated with alleged NEET examination paper leaks. Kerala registered cases after the protests. Pinarayi Vijayan later asked Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan to withdraw nearly 5,000 cases linked to the protests.

What changed now (current stage of decision-making)