Muthanga land agitation: Geethanandan and other accused approach Kerala High Court
Four individuals convicted in the 2003 Muthanga land agitation case have appealed their sentences to the Kerala High Court. The petitioners argue that the lower court erred in its conviction, specifically regarding charges of criminal conspiracy.
Why it matters
This case highlights the long-standing legal battles surrounding indigenous land rights and the historical Muthanga agitation in Kerala.
Four of the accused in the alleged murder of police constable K.V. Vinod during the Muthanga land agitation have approached the Kerala High Court in an appeal against the order by the Principal Session Court, Kalpetta, finding them guilty.
The accused, social activist M. Geethanandan, Rameshan, Binu and Anilkumar, were found guilty of attempting to murder Senior Civil Police Officer Abdul Salam, kidnapping Forest Range Officer P.K. Sasidharan, causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons, and offences against public tranquillity. They were sentenced to a term of rigorous imprisonment for 5 years and ₹36,000 fine.
The petition alleged that the Kalpetta court had erred in charging the accused, and sought to quash the conviction and sentence therein. The accused reasoned that the court had only found conspiracy charges prima facie, and contended that such a finding did not fulfill the legal requirements of the offence.
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