Did a CPI-M Leader Break Court Rules by Taking Photos?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- K.P. Jyothi faced legal repercussions for courtroom photography.
- Strict rules exist against mobile device use in court.
- This incident highlights political tensions in Kerala.
- The Dhanaraj murder case reflects ongoing political violence.
- Compliance with court protocols is crucial for legal integrity.
Kannur, Oct 21 (NationPress) A prominent Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) figure found herself in hot water on Tuesday after allegedly snapping pictures within a courtroom during the trial related to the 2016 murder of party worker C.V. Dhanaraj.
The incident unfolded at the Thaliparamba District Sessions Court in Kannur, where activists from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who are accused in the case, were present for the proceedings.
During the hearing, K.P. Jyothi, a former Vice-Chairperson of the Payyannur Municipality and a notable CPI-M leader, reportedly took photographs of the accused with her mobile device.
Upon noticing this, the presiding judge ordered the police officers present in the courtroom to detain her.
Regulations clearly prohibit mobile phone usage and photography inside courtrooms without specific permission.
Following the judge's directions, police apprehended Jyothi.
The judge subsequently requested a written apology from her for breaching court decorum.
Initially, Jyothi hesitated to comply, but after a firm admonition from the court, she agreed to apologize.
Ultimately, the court levied a fine of Rs 1,000 on her and mandated that she remain standing in the courtroom until office hours concluded as part of the disciplinary measures.
After 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jyothi was released after submitting her written apology and paying the fine.
This incident sparked considerable buzz within the courthouse and drew attention from both political factions and the public, particularly given Jyothi's influence within the local CPI-M leadership.
The Dhanaraj murder case, originating in 2016, involves the killing of a CPI-M worker, allegedly at the hands of BJP-RSS activists in the politically charged region of Payyannur.
Kannur has historically been recognized as a hotspot for intense political rivalry between CPI-M supporters and those associated with the BJP-RSS.
Over the years, this area has experienced repeated episodes of political violence, making it one of Kerala's most politically sensitive locales, where ideological conflicts regularly erupt into public unrest despite ongoing calls for peace from both sides.