Convictions in Muthanga case require scrutiny, says Kerala HC - The HinduPublished - August 06, 2026 07:39 pm IST - KOCHIThe Kerala High Court has orally observed that the trial court ought to have done a thorough scrutiny and conclusive finding, than rely solely on prima facie evidence while convicting social activist M. Geethanandan and three others in the violence in connection with the Muthanga land struggle in 2003.A Bench of Justice A. Badharudeen was hearing appeals filed by the four convicts, challenging the judgment of the Principal Session’s Court, Kalpetta, in a case pertaining to the alleged attempt to murder a head constable and alleged abduction of a forest range officer. The trial court had awarded five years’ rigorous imprisonment and fine of ₹36,000 fine on the accused. Terming their conviction as legally unsustainable, the convicts contended that it was based on a finding by the trial court that there was ‘prima facie’ a criminal conspiracy.The court directed the trial court to forward a copy of the charges framed against the accused for its perusal. The matter was posted for hearing on August 12.Two persons, a protester and a police officer, had been killed in the police firing and allied violence related with the land struggle. The trial court had acquitted the appellants of charges relating to the murder of K.V. Vinod, the police constable who died in the violence.Published - August 06, 2026 07:39 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }