Published Apr 28, 2026 | 6:23 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 28, 2026 | 6:23 PM
Hartal related to Nitin Raj's death. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Taking a serious note of the situation, the High Court registered a case on its own after visuals surfaced showing vehicles—including those carrying patients—being stopped during the protest. A vacation bench directed that vehicles must not be obstructed under any circumstances.
A dawn-to-dusk hartal called in connection with the death of Ancharakandi Dental College student Nithin Raj has landed organisers in legal trouble, with the Kerala High Court initiating suo motu proceedings.
The shutdown, observed from 6 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, 28 April, was called by the Justice for Nithin Raj Action Council along with more than 50 supporting organisations.
The hartal disrupted public life across parts of the state.
Taking a serious note of the situation, the High Court registered a case on its own after visuals surfaced showing vehicles—including those carrying patients—being stopped during the protest. A vacation bench directed that vehicles must not be obstructed under any circumstances.
The court has sought an explanation from the state government and also asked the Director General of Prosecution to clarify what action has been taken against those responsible.
Observing that the organisers may have committed contempt of court, the bench directed the High Court Registry to issue notices to those who called for the hartal, paving the way for possible contempt proceedings.
Also Read: Dental student death in Kannur: Dalit and Adivasi organisations announce statewide hartal
While organisers claimed the protest would be peaceful and exempt essential services, disruptions were reported widely across the state.
Commuters, patients and students faced significant difficulties, with NEET and VIT entrance exam candidates among the worst affected, many unable to reach their centres on time.
In Thiruvananthapuram, patients travelling to the RCC and Medical College were delayed, with vehicles blocked at places like Thampanoor and KSRTC buses stopped at Kaniyapuram.
Protests were also reported near the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner Office in Mannanchira. In Kottayam, shops remained shut and private buses stayed off the roads, while in Thiruvalla, vehicles were stopped and allowed to pass only after verification.
Incidents of buses being blocked were reported from Perambra and Ulliyeri as well.
The Action Council has demanded murder charges against all accused, including faculty members such as Dr Ram, a judicially monitored probe, ₹10 crore compensation for the family and cancellation of the college’s recognition.
Meanwhile, trade bodies like the Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi and Kerala govt federation maintained that shops would remain open, reiterating their decision not to support hartals.
Also Read: Student’s death: Orthodontics staff members resign amid escalating protests
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar and Sreelakshmi Soman)
