KOCHI: The High Court has said that the arrest of Sabu M Jacob and others in the case registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on a complaint by Kunathunadu MLA PV Sreenijan is not necessary as of now.

"I am of the view that the points raised by the petitioners in the Criminal MC have to be heard in detail. Hence the Criminal MC is admitted...The Petitioners shall appear before the investigating officer for the purpose of interrogation as and when directed. The Investigating officer if found necessary shall interrogate the petitioner on any day between 10 AM to 12 AM after issuing prior notice to the petitioners.", the court said.

The court's order was on a petition filed by Sabu M Jacob for quashing of the case registered by Puthencruze Police.

The petition was adjourned for hearing after the Christmas break. The order of the court also says that the investigation can continue.

Meanwhile, in the High Court, the government opposed the issuance of an interim order not to arrest Sabu M Jacob in the case. The DGP requested the High Court not to stop the arrest. The court asked the government if there was any reason to arrest the accused. The government's reply was that it cannot be said at this stage and that the investigating officer should decide the matter. The government said that Sabu did not boycott PT Thomas and Benny Behanan who is even more hostile to him than Sreenijan. The court asked why there was a delay in filing the complaint. The court also observed that the case was registered after three months of the incident.

The government argued in court that the MLA's complaint was serious and the boycott was an insult in a way. In response to the government's response that Sabu is boycotting every function of the MLA, the judge asked about lawyers boycotting the court. The court also asked how it could be insulting. The government reiterated that the boycott was an insult. But the court observed that the boycott was a form of protest and restrained the arrest of Sabu M Jacob and others.