The Kerala High Court raises strong concerns over the delayed 10th-grade results of students accused in the Shahabas murder case. Explore the legal and ethical issues surrounding child rights, education access, and criminal law reform.

Kerala High Court Demands Clarity on Withholding 10th Grade Results in Shahabas Murder Case

On May 20, 2025, the Kerala High Court questioned the State on why the 10th-grade exam results of students allegedly involved in the murder of 15-year-old Shahabas had not been released. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas raised critical concerns over the delay, emphasizing that academic results should not be withheld due to criminal allegations.

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas: “If They Wrote the Exam, the Results Must Be Published”

During the hearing of the case, XX v State of Kerala, Justice Thomas orally stated, “The results must be published if they have written the examination.” The Court drew a clear line between the criminal investigation and the students’ right to education, a fundamental child right protected by the Child Rights Commission.

Details of the Shahabas Murder Case

The incident involves five students accused of planning and executing an assault on fellow student Shahabas, allegedly resulting in his death from a skull fracture. The group reportedly used WhatsApp and Instagram to coordinate the attack.

Child Rights Commission’s Role and Government’s Response

Despite a directive from the Child Rights Commission, the students’ academic results were withheld. Advocate K. M. Firoz, representing one of the minors, informed the court that the government dismissed the directive as a mere suggestion.

Impact on Plus-One Admission Process

The urgency of releasing the results was underscored by the fact that the single-window portal for Plus-One admissions was closing the same day. The delay in publishing the results could jeopardize the students’ future academic prospects.

Criminal Law Reform and Juvenile Rights in Focus

The Kerala High Court reminded the State that reformation is the cornerstone of criminal jurisprudence. Preventing a minor who has taken an exam from receiving results contradicts this principle. The Court emphasized that administrative authorities could face consequences for any intentional delay.

Bail Hearings and Further Legal Action

The current proceedings are linked to an application challenging the denial of bail for the accused minors. The Court advised that the appropriate legal path would be to challenge the government’s noncompliance with the Commission’s orders directly in the High Court. A decision on the bail request is expected in the next session.

Conclusion: Balancing Justice and Education in Juvenile Cases

The ongoing Shahabas murder case raises significant concerns at the intersection of criminal law, child rights, and educational access. As the Kerala High Court emphasized, the right to education must not be overshadowed by ongoing legal proceedings—especially in the case of minors. With critical deadlines like Plus-One admissions at stake, ensuring timely publication of exam results is not just a procedural necessity but a constitutional obligation. This case may well set a precedent for how India’s legal system handles similar instances involving juvenile offenders and their fundamental rights.