KOCHI: Culture minister Saji Cherian has landed back in a muddle for his harangue targeting the Constitution of India. During his controversial speech, Cherian said that values like secularism and democracy, the kuntham and kodachakram (spear and wheel), were just inscribed to exploit the common man. The minister also remarked the constitution was ‘British made’ and ‘Anti-working class’. The High Court has ordered a further investigation by the crime branch.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas dismissed the police report that gave a clean chit to the minister. The court also cancelled the order of the Tiruvalla Judicial First Class Magistrate that accepted the police report. With this, the controversy that led to the resignation of Minister Saji Cherian has returned to haunt the Pinarayi government. The opposition demanded the minister's resignation. Minister Saji Cherian may file an appeal against the single bench order.

The High Court's order came in a petition filed by lawyer M. Baiju Noel for further investigation. The demand for a CBI investigation was rejected by clarifying that there was no case for a re-investigation. Although the petitioner filed a police complaint against the speech, a case was not registered. The Keezhvaipur police registered a case under the National Honor Act (1971) as per the order of the Magistrate's Court on the petition.

“The police investigation is not satisfactory. The investigating officer should have acted according to the law and not according to his personal views. The investigation has been completed even before the arrival of the forensic report of the CD and pen drive. The police didn’t even take the statements of the media portals that published the minister’s speech. The report was prepared on the statement of 39 workers of the minister's party.” The court also termed the magistrate court order as erroneous.

Since the accused is a minister, it is not appropriate for the SHO to conduct further investigation. The police chief should immediately order further investigation by the crime branch. An officer holding a good track record should be appointed and the investigation should be completed promptly.

As per existing laws, disrespecting the constitution can invite imprisonment for three years and a hefty fine.