India ‘being Maoist is not a crime’ or not?

Kerala Govt to approach division bench of HC on ‘being Maoist is not a crime’ ruling
The Government of Kerala has said that it will approach a division bench of the state High Court to withdraw the ruling of a single judge bench that has said that being a Maoist is not a crime. On Friday, a single bench of the Kerala High Court had criticised the state police for arresting a person for being a Maoist. The court had then ordered the police to pay compensation to the individual for harassing him. According to reports, Kerala’s Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the state government would appeal against the verdict on grounds that it would be difficult to enforce the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act under the circumstances.

HC Ruling on Maoism Gives Wrong Signals’
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rural Development Minister K C Joseph has said the High Court ruling that “being a Maoist is no crime” will give a wrong message to society. “We cannot forget that large number of policemen were killed or injured in the country in Maoist attacks. The High Court stand favouring Maoists is a matter of grave concern. It will have serious repercussion on society,” he said. Joseph was speaking after inaugurating the state committee meeting of the Kerala Police Association as part of the organisation’s 32nd annual conference which began here on Sunday.