A fast-track POCSO court in Thalassery, Kerala, on Saturday sentenced BJP leader and schoolteacher K. Padmarajan to imprisonment for the rest of his natural life after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old student. The ruling brings closure to the widely watched Palathayi case, which has drawn intense public attention across Kerala since 2020. The court ruled that Padmarajan had committed an extremely serious crime by abusing both his authority as a teacher and the trust of a child who had been placed under his care.
The case stemmed from an incident that took place on March 17, 2020, when Padmarajan was accused of assaulting the young girl inside the school washroom during regular class hours. The victim’s mother lodged a complaint with the Panur police, prompting an immediate investigation. According to the chargesheet, the teacher had taken advantage of the school environment to isolate the child and commit the offence, leading to his eventual arrest and the start of the legal proceedings.
During the trial, the court relied on several key pieces of evidence, including the child’s testimony, which the court found to be consistent and credible. Medical examination results further supported the prosecution’s case, while the statements of multiple witnesses helped establish the sequence of events. The court described the assault as a grave violation rooted in betrayal of trust, noting that Padmarajan had misused his position to exploit a minor. These findings formed the basis of the stringent punishment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Public prosecutor K. Ajith Kumar welcomed the verdict, saying it reflected the strength of the investigation and the seriousness with which the judicial system treats crimes against children. He noted that people across Kerala had been following the case closely, and the court’s decision reaffirmed the importance of accountability in child protection matters. According to the prosecution, the conviction highlights thorough investigative work and sends a strong message about zero tolerance for such offences.
Padmarajan’s defence team, led by advocate P. Premarajan, rejected the allegations entirely. The defence argued that the case had been fabricated by certain groups in retaliation for Padmarajan’s political affiliations and his social-media support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). They claimed that the timing of the complaint—two months after his online post—indicated a targeted plot to frame him because he was a BJP sympathiser and held a key party position at the panchayat level.
The case also drew attention because of changes in investigating officers and public discussions about whether the probe was being conducted thoroughly. Despite these uncertainties, the court concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution far outweighed the defence’s claims of conspiracy. The judge stated that the material on record was sufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
While deciding the punishment, the court applied the strict sentencing provisions of the POCSO Act, which emphasise harsh penalties for crimes committed against children. In addition to life imprisonment, the judgment includes financial penalties and compensation for the victim, ensuring that the punishment reflects both the severity of the crime and the need for victim support.
The verdict is being viewed as a significant step in Kerala’s fight against child sexual abuse. It has also revived broader discussions about safeguarding children, strengthening school oversight, and ensuring that survivors receive justice without delay.
