National

Kerala High Court Lawyers to Boycott Justice A. Badharudeen’s Court Over Insult Directed at Deceased Lawyer’s Wife

Published

2 years ago

March 8, 2025

On Friday, lawyers from the Kerala High Court, supported by the Kerala High Court Advocates Association (KHCAA), staged a boycott of Justice A. Badharudeen’s court. They demanded an apology for what they termed an affront to Saritha Thomas, the widow of the late lawyer Alex Scaria, during a court session the previous day. The lawyers have committed to continuing this boycott until Justice Badharudeen publicly apologizes for his disrespectful remarks towards Advocate Saritha Thomas.

A substantial number of lawyers gathered in Justice Badharudeen’s courtroom on Friday morning, pressing for an open court apology for the disrespect shown to Advocate Thomas. However, Justice Badharudeen did not appear that day. A notice later indicated that he would not preside over the morning court session, and that urgent matters assigned to him would be handled by Justice Johnson John.

The lawyers accused Justice Badharudeen of insulting Saritha Thomas during the incident, allegedly questioning, “Who is Alex Scaria?” as she requested additional time to submit a vakalatnama in her name after her husband’s passing on January 7, 2025. The altercation happened on March 6 when Advocate Thomas sought the court’s consideration to change the vakalatnama in light of her husband’s recent death.

Previously, Advocate Alex Scaria had committed to filing a vakalatnama but passed away before he could fulfill that promise. Following the judge’s interaction with Advocate Thomas, Senior Advocate George Poonthottam and several other lawyers practicing at the court called for an urgent general body meeting of the KHCAA.

The resolution from this meeting criticized Justice Badharudeen for his uncharitable and rude response to Advocate Thomas’s request, reiterating his question of “Who is Alex Scaria?” The lawyers asserted that such behavior was not only unbecoming of a judicial figure but also disrespected the memory of the deceased, necessitating a public apology from the judge.

During discussions with the KHCAA, Justice Badharudeen refused to offer an apology in open court, instead suggesting he would do so privately in his chambers. Nevertheless, the Advocates’ Association insisted on a public apology. In response to this situation, the members of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association resolved to boycott Justice Badharudeen until a public apology is made for his treatment of the late Advocate Scaria’s widow.

As tensions escalated, the Chief Justice intervened to address the situation and requested time to review it further. He has called for discussions with the KHCAA leadership.

This incident is not the first protest against Justice Badharudeen’s behavior. In February of the previous year, the KHCAA sent a letter to the Chief Justice, highlighting complaints regarding the judge’s alleged misconduct and called for video recordings of court proceedings. The association’s letter in February 2024 noted that numerous advocates reported humiliation and insensitivity while engaging in Justice Badharudeen’s courtroom.

National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

2 weeks ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.