Criminal cases against people’s representatives in Kerala: IUML leader faces 120 BUDS Act cases, five face sexual harassment charges
A report submitted to the Kerala High Court reveals that numerous sitting and former legislators are facing criminal charges, including investment fraud and sexual harassment. The data highlights significant legal challenges involving representatives in Thiruvananthapuram, Kasaragod, and Kannur.
Why it matters
The prevalence of criminal cases among elected officials raises critical questions about political accountability and the integrity of the legislative process.
Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former legislator M.C. Kamaruddin, who has around 120 cases pending against him, tops the list of people’s representatives facing criminal proceedings in Kerala.
Mr. Kamaruddin was one of the accused in the Fashion Gold Jewellery investment fraud of 2019. He was booked by invoking the provisions of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019 (BUDS Act). Of the 163 BUDS cases booked against people’s representatives, Mr. Kamaruddin accounted for most of the cases.
Five people’s representatives—Kovalam MLA M. Vincent, former Kazhakuttam MLA M.A. Vaheed, Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi, former Parassala MLA A.T. George, and Kunnathunadu MLA V.P. Sajeendran—are reportedly facing sexual harassment charges.
Former Koothuparamba MLA P. Jayarajan and former Kalliassery MLA T.V. Rajesh have murder charges pending against them.
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