KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has ruled that "rowdy lists" are not meant for public display in police stations. Instead, such lists are intended solely for the knowledge of police officers and should be kept in restricted-access areas. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan made the ruling while allowing a petition filed by a former accused, who requested the removal of his name and photograph from a notice board at the Fort Kochi police station. The court directed that both his name and photo should be removed from the board within two weeks.

The state had argued that the petitioner, a resident under the Fort Kochi police jurisdiction, had been accused in 18 cases, including attempted murder, and that the list was displayed for continuous surveillance. However, the petitioner pointed out that he had been acquitted in 16 of those cases, had not been involved in any crime registered at Fort Kochi station, and had not faced any criminal charges for the past eight years. He stated that he was currently working and taking care of his elderly mother, and was preparing for marriage. He argued that displaying his name and photo on the rowdy list was causing humiliation to him and his family.

The court reviewed a report submitted by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kochi, which also confirmed that such lists are not meant for public display. Taking this into account, the court held that the petitioner's right to privacy had been violated.