Kerala High Court admits State's appeals against order quashing the reorganisation of police associations

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Kerala High Court admits State's appeals against order quashing the reorganisation of police associations

12 October 2026

On Monday, 12 October, a Kerala High Court Division Bench of Dr. Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preeta A. K. admitted the State's appeals (WA 2100/2026) against a Single Judge's decision. On 29 September Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had quashed a government order that reorganised three recognised police associations into two and abolished the Kerala Police Officers' Association. He held that it infringed rights under Article 19(1)(c) and the associations' bylaws. The State relies on Article 33 and the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966.

Appeal: WA 2100/2026 Single Judge: Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas (29 September) Division Bench: Dr. Justice A. K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preeta A. K. Association abolished by the order: Kerala Police Officers' Association

Why it matters for exams: Article 19(1)(c) and Article 33 are core fundamental-rights provisions, and this case tests them on the police force.

Kerala PSC

12 October 2026 Source: LiveLaw

In plain words

Article 33 Power of Parliament to modify fundamental rights for armed forces and similar forces — It lets Parliament restrict or abrogate Part III rights of members of the armed forces and police forces.