Criminal cases against people’s representatives in Kerala: IUML leader faces 120 BUDS Act cases, five face sexual harassment charges

Published 26 July 2026 · india

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former legislator M.C. Kamaruddin, who has around 120 cases pending against him, tops the list of people’s representatives

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and former legislator M.C. Kamaruddin, who has around 120 cases pending against him, tops the list of people’s representatives facing criminal proceedings in Kerala. Kamaruddin was one of the accused in the Fashion Gold Jewellery investment fraud of 2019. He was booked by invoking the provisions of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Act, 2019 (BUDS Act). Of the 163 BUDS cases booked against people’s representatives, Mr. Kamaruddin accounted for most of the cases. Five people’s representatives—Kovalam MLA M.

Vincent, former Kazhakuttam MLA M.A. Vaheed, Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi, former Parassala MLA A.T. George, and Kunnathunadu MLA V.P. Sajeendran—are reportedly facing sexual harassment charges. Murder charges Koothuparamba MLA P. Jayarajan and former Kalliassery MLA T.V. Rajesh have murder charges pending against them. The details of the pending cases against sitting or former MPs and MLAs emerged following a recent report submitted by the District Judiciary before the Kerala High Court. Most number of BUDS Act cases were registered in Kannur and Kasaragod.

Over 130 cases of offences under cheating and fraud were also reported by the District Judiciary, many in connection with the BUDS Act. The report was handed over to the High Court in a suo motu petition initiated under Supreme Court directives to monitor the pending cases against sitting/former MPs and MLAs. Of the 555 cases reported as of June 30, 2026, as many as 260 cases were registered under offences against public tranquillity, usually charged in connection with protests, marches, and other public demonstrations commonly conducted by political parties.

Thiruvananthapuram had the highest number of pending cases against MPs/MLAs, 180, followed by Kasaragod (133) and Kannur (50). The Kerala High Court was informed that the details of the pending cases have been shared with the State Police Chief, who was directed to remain vigilant in reporting the pending cases. Additionally, the Assistant Inspector General of Police was directed to file a comprehensive report after reviewing the data provided by the District Judiciary.