Kerala Assembly Boycott Over Parole to Periya Murder Convicts Sparks Political Firestorm
The Congress-headed opposition in Kerala boycotted the state assembly on Monday, staging a dramatic walkout after the speaker blocked an urgent debate on the repeated parole releases of convicts in the high-profile Periya double-murder case. This move has reignited political outrage and scrutiny over prison rules in the state.
Background of the Periya Double-Murder Case
The case dates back to 2019 and involves the brutal political killing of two Youth Congress workers, Kripesh and Sarath Lal, in Periya village located in Kasaragod district of northern Kerala. Following a trial, several CPM workers were convicted for the murders and handed double life sentences by the court, making it a highly sensitive and politically charged issue.
Recent Parole Releases Fuel Controversy
On Monday, the tenth accused in the case, Ranjith T, was granted a 15-day parole. This comes barely two-and-a-half months after he received similar relief earlier, raising eyebrows about the frequency of such releases. Additionally, prime convict A Peethambaran and another convict named Gijin are also currently out on parole, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties and the public alike.
Kannur jail authorities have defended these decisions, stating that the parole was granted in strict adherence to existing jail rules. However, this is not an isolated incident. In September 2025, three CPM workers involved in the same case were given 30 days of parole, further intensifying the debate over the implementation of prison regulations.
Assembly Session Descends into Chaos
The tension spilled over into the legislative assembly when RMP MLA K K Rema sought an adjournment motion. She alleged that proper procedures were violated in granting parole to the CPM workers convicted in the Periya murders. Speaker AN Shamseer, however, rejected the motion, citing procedural grounds.
In response, opposition members erupted in protest, shouting slogans and accusing the speaker of shielding the ruling LDF government. Opposition leader VD Satheesan of the Congress party strongly questioned the rejection of the motion. He cited the case of VK Nishad, who was sentenced to 20 years for a bomb attack on police personnel, yet was granted parole within just one month of his conviction, highlighting perceived inconsistencies in parole decisions.
Political Fallout and Walkout
As the protests continued unabated, UDF legislators, led by the Congress, decided to walk out of the assembly for the remainder of the day. This boycott underscores the deepening political rift and the opposition's determination to keep the parole issue in the spotlight, demanding greater transparency and accountability in the justice system.
The incident has not only disrupted legislative proceedings but also sparked a broader discussion on the balance between rehabilitation and justice in high-stakes criminal cases, with implications for Kerala's political landscape.
