The Kerala High Court has closed a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging alleged restrictions on men’s entry during the State Government’s ‘Freedom at Midnight’ programme in Thiruvananthapuram. The Division Bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. passed the order on August 13, 2026.
Background of the Case
The PIL concerned an event organised by the Department of Women and Child Development and scheduled from 10 pm on August 14 to 1 am on August 15 along M.G. Road, between PMG Junction and Overbridge Junction in Thampanoor.
The petitioner apprehended that men would be prohibited from entering the relevant area. According to the plea, such a restriction could affect the constitutional guarantees of equality under Article 14 and freedom of movement under Article 19(1)(d).
Court’s Observation
The Bench noted that the petitioner’s apprehension was based on unverified press reports submitted as exhibits, without supporting confirmation from the State authorities. The Court also pointed out that the petitioner had not first approached the concerned authorities with his grievance.
The Court observed that a writ of mandamus cannot ordinarily be sought without first approaching the concerned public authority.
The State clarified that the restriction concerned entry of men into the women-and-children conclave only. It specifically submitted that men would not be prevented from travelling on or using the relevant public road.
The Bench further remarked that the PIL contained allegations “without any basis and devoid of any valid reliable materials” and stressed that public interest litigation should not be filed in a “slipshod manner.”
Court’s Decision
Recording the State’s submission, the Kerala High Court closed PIL.
Case Details
Case Title: Adarsh S R v. State of Kerala & Anr.
Case Number: W.P.(PIL) No. 171 of 2026
Judge: Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M.
Decision Date: August 13, 2026
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