Kerala High Court Orders Compensation for Wrongful Detention of NRI

The Kerala High Court held that the State was liable to compensate an NRI man and his family for illegal arrest and wrongful detention based on false charges.

The Court observed that the petitioner, V.K. Thajudheen, suffered grave violations of his fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 due to arbitrary police action.

It noted that he was detained for 54 days without credible evidence, leading to loss of employment, reputational harm, and mental trauma to his family.

Exercising jurisdiction under Article 226, the Court awarded ₹14 lakh compensation, emphasising State accountability and the rule of law.

[V.K. Thajudheen & Ors. v. State of Kerala & Ors.]