In a significant development, the Supreme Court has granted bail to Pulsar Suni, the prime accused in the high-profile actress attack case. The decision, albeit with strict conditions, has come after nearly seven years of incarceration.

The state government strongly opposed the bail application, arguing that it would jeopardize the ongoing investigation and trial. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the delay in the trial process warranted granting bail.

Pulsar Suni, whose real name is Sunil Kumar Pillai, was arrested in February 2017 in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a popular Malayalam actress. The case has garnered widespread attention and sparked public outrage.

While the bail decision has brought some relief to Pulsar Suni, the investigation into the case continues, and the trial is expected to proceed.

Kochi: The court rejected the Robin bus owner’s petition against the government’s action on permit violation. Admitting that contract carriage buses are not allowed to carry passengers on board, the court upheld KSRTC’s contention that the Robin bus was a violation of the law. The owner’s contention was that they have the authority to operate the service under the provisions of the All India Permit Rules. The court rejected this argument as well.

The government action was alleging that Robin Bus was operating in violation of the permit. There were government actions against Robin Buses, including continuous fines and impounding of the buses during permit violations. Robin Bus owner approached the High Court against this. KSRTC had also approached the court pointing out that running the Robin bus was a violation of the law.

Thiruvananthapuram: Government’s free Onam kit distribution started today through ration shops. Food Minister GR Anil inaugurated state-level kit distribution at 8 am at Bapuji Library Auditorium, Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram.

Around six lakh AAY (yellow) card holders, NPI card holders residing in various welfare institutions and all ration card holders in the disaster affected Wayanad region will get the kit.

Officials will deliver the kits directly to residents of welfare institutions from tomorrow. One kit is distributed to four people living in welfare institutions.
Onam kit has 14 items including Chickpea Nuts, Semiya Payasam Mix, Milma Ghee, Cashew Nuts, Coconut Oil, Sambar Powder, Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Tea, Chickpeas, Tuvar Dal, salt and a cloth bag.

Thiruvananthapuram: Central Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains may occur in Kerala. The Meteorological department has declared a yellow alert in 7 districts. Yellow alert in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur Kasaragod districts are also on yellow alert on Tuesday.
In the next few hours, chances of rain with thunder and lightning and strong winds are predicted at isolated places in Palakkad district. Rain is also forecast at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Malappuram districts.

Thiruvananthapura: Houses with an area of less than 60 square meters in the state will not be subject to property tax even if they have a UA number. Ordered in this regard. UA number is issued temporarily for non-statutory buildings. At present, triple tax is levied on buildings with UA number. Many complaints were received in this regard in the local Adalat.

Meanwhile, last year the government exempted houses below 60 square meters from the tax. In case of receiving complaints, the order directed to apply this exemption to the houses which have got UA number also. The final installment will be sanctioned even if the houses obtained under LIFE housing scheme are issued with UA number. A general direction in this regard has also been given in the order.

Kozhikode: It has been decided to bring liquor in large quantities from Kerala to Lakshadweep where there is a ban on alcohol. In the name of tourism, the administrator’s move to lift the ban on alcohol in Lakshadweep in a phased manner. For this, the Lakshadweep Promotion Council has decided to purchase a large quantity of liquor from the Kerala State Beverages Corporation.

The uninhabited island of Bankaram in Lakshadweep, which has a strict liquor ban, currently serves restricted alcohol only to tourists. An attempt was made in 2021 to extend it to Kavaratti, Minikoi and Kadamam resorts but it did not happen due to public resistance. But now there is a move to make alcohol available everywhere in the island.

Lakshadweep MP and various organizations of the island are strongly opposing the lifting of the liquor ban. But if tourism is to grow in Lakshadweep, the administrator’s position is that the availability of alcohol should be ensured. A draft bill for this was prepared last year. With the coming into force of the bill, the Lakshadweep Liquor Prohibition Act of 1979 will be repealed.

Lakshadweep Tourism Promotion Council buys liquor from warehouses in Kochi. Kerala’s permission has also been received for this. Earlier, the Lakshadweep Tourism Promotion Council had written to the state government requesting large quantities of liquor for tourism promotion.

Kerala agreed to provide liquor based on the report of the Excise Commissioner who studied the same. As per the current Excise Act, liquor cannot be shipped. The tax department issued a separate order for this.