A Kerala court on Monday handed an unusual punishment to former MLA P P Chithranjan, ordering him to stay inside the courtroom for the entire day as a penalty for blocking a road during a protest in 2023. The CPM leader from Alappuzha was directed to remain in the court room until the court dispersed for the day, according to a judicial officer.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to a protest organized by the CPM in Alappuzha, where Chithranjan, along with other party workers, allegedly blocked a public road, causing inconvenience to commuters. The police filed a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code for unlawful assembly and obstructing public way. Chithranjan, who served as an MLA from 2016 to 2021, pleaded guilty to the charges during the hearing.
Court's Verdict and Sentence
Judicial First Class Magistrate Court Judge R. S. Sreejith pronounced the sentence, stating that the former lawmaker must stay within the court premises from 10:30 AM until the court rises for the day at 5:00 PM. The court noted that the punishment was intended to serve as a deterrent and to emphasize the importance of respecting public order. "The accused is directed to remain in the court room till the court disperses for the day," the judge ordered.
Reaction and Compliance
Chithranjan accepted the unusual sentence without protest. He was seen sitting quietly in the courtroom, reading a book during the proceedings. His lawyer, K. S. Madhu, said the former MLA respected the court's decision and would not appeal. "He understands that his actions were wrong and accepts the punishment," Madhu told reporters outside the court.
Impact and Precedent
Legal experts noted that while day-long detention in a courtroom is rare, it is within the court's discretionary powers under Section 357 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows for symbolic or reformative punishment. Advocate N. K. Premachandran commented, "This sends a strong message that no one, including former lawmakers, is above the law. The court has creatively used its powers to ensure accountability."
The incident has sparked debate about the effectiveness of such punishments. Some civil society members praised the court for its innovative approach, while others argued that community service would have been more constructive. However, the court's decision was widely reported as a unique example of judicial creativity in Kerala.
