On June 2, 2025, the Kerala High Court refused to halt the trial proceedings against M. Abjijith, a bank employee from Payyannur, who allegedly sent death threats to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan emphasized that dismissing such cases without trial would send a wrong message to society, especially amidst a growing trend of individuals targeting constitutional authorities on social media for publicity.

The incident occurred on May 2, 2021, coinciding with the declaration of the Left Democratic Front’s victory in the state assembly elections. Abjijith allegedly sent two messages stating, “I will kill Pinarayi Vijayan,” to the Chief Minister’s Additional Private Secretary. He was charged under Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 506(i) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 120(o) (causing nuisance) of the Kerala Police Act.

The court noted that even if the messages were sent in jest or emotional distress, an educated individual like the petitioner should be aware of the legal implications. Justice Kunhikrishnan remarked that such threats are not merely against an individual but strike at the heart of democracy and must be dealt with sternly. He further stated that allowing the accused to avoid trial would undermine the seriousness of the offense and the democratic process.

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