Kerala minister quits over Constitution remark

Kerala Minister Saji Cheriyan announced his resignation amidst mounting criticism over his controversial remarks against the Constitution recently. Apparently succumbing to pressure, Cheriyan - a senior CPI(M) leader who holds Cultural Affairs, Fisheries and Youth Affairs portfolios in the cabinet - met media persons at the CMO and announced that he has handed over his resignation to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Meanwhile, a court in Thiruvalla directed the police to register a case against Cheriyan on the basis of a plea moved by an Ernakulam-based lawyer for allegedly insulting the Constitution, police said.