HC dismisses petition by man who sent message threatening CM

The Kerala High Court dismissed a petition filed by a bank employee from Payyannur who sought discharge from a case in which he was charged with sending threatening messages to the Additional Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, stating that ’he would kill Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’.

Dismissing the petition filed by Abjijith M., the court observed that if it were to declare without even a trial that no offence is made out, it would send a wrong message to society. The court noted that there is a growing trend of individuals sending threatening messages and making derogatory remarks against constitutional authorities, often in a bid to gain publicity. As a result, the police are forced to spend valuable time determining whether such statements are made merely for attention, or are driven by a specific motive. Subsequently, the persons charged with the offence often approach the court seeking discharge, either by arguing that no offence is made out, or by raising technical grounds to avoid prosecution.

Day of poll results

The court observed that the messages by the petitioner were sent on the day the election results were announced, which saw the Left Democratic Front, led by the Chief Minister secure a second consecutive term. Such threatening messages are not merely directed at an individual but strike at the heart of democracy and, ultimately, the people who participated in the democratic process. It stated that such actions must be dealt with by the iron hand of the law and must send a strong message to society.

The court hastened to add that even if the message was sent as a joke or in a moment of emotional distress following the election results, the petitioner, being an educated person, was expected to be fully aware of the legal implications. His actions unnecessarily troubled not only the Additional Private Secretary but also the entire police machinery of the State. Such a person is not entitled to any discretionary relief and must face trial in accordance with the law, the court said.

Published - May 31, 2025 08:17 pm IST