SFI activists booked for protesting against Minister at Maharaja’s College in Keralam’s Kochi granted anticipatory bail

SFI activists staging a protest against Higher Education Minister Roji M. John during the graduation ceremony held at Maharaja’s College in Kochi. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO The Ernakulam Principal Sessions Court has granted anticipatory bail to ten Students Federation of India (SFI) activists booked in connection with a protest staged during a convocation ceremony at Maharaja’s College here attended by Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John.Among those granted anticipatory bail were college union chairperson V. Praneel Raj and vice-chairperson Nafeesuthul Misriya. The bail was granted on condition that they cooperate with the investigation and appear whenever asked by the investigation officer.The petitioners argued that they had only raised questions before the Minister and protested in a peaceful manner.SFI activists staged the protest soon after the Minister completed his inaugural address at the convocation ceremony seeking answers from him about the suspension of 16 students of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. The activists demanded that the Minister withdraw his alleged statements against those who were suspended for protesting against Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas. Following the protest, Mr. John had to leave the function midway. Published - November 13, 2026 12:26 am IST