The Kerala Police has recently defended the decision to impose an 11 PM curfew on DJ parties in Kochi, presenting their case to the Kerala High Court. This move, aimed at curbing the rise in drug-related crimes and sexual offences, was outlined in the case Mahadevan v State of Kerala & ors. The police emphasized that the rapid increase in late-night entertainment has been linked to significant law and order challenges within the city.
This position was articulated in a counter-statement filed in response to a petition by Radisson Blu Hotel, Kadavanthra, which challenged the police’s restrictions on hosting DJ events past the curfew, despite having an Excise Department permit allowing the hotel bar to operate until 3 AM. The hotel argued that the excise extension should permit them to continue their business activities, including late-night DJ programs.
In their defense, the police highlighted troubling statistics and incidents associated with these parties. During a hearing on July 6, Justice Murali Purushothaman acknowledged the police’s statements and scheduled further hearings for July 13.
Escalating Crime Rates and Public Safety Concerns
The police affidavit presented a concerning picture of the nightlife scene in Kochi. The number of DJ party venues has surged from three to over 34, with entry fees ranging between ₹1,500 to ₹6,000 and table reservations reaching up to ₹20,000. Such growth, according to the police, poses a threat to public safety and order.
The authorities have already registered 27 criminal cases linked to late-night events, encompassing charges of unlawful assembly, narcotic drug offences, and crimes against women. These incidents underscore the necessity for regulatory measures to safeguard public safety.
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The police further argued that an FL-3 license under excise laws allows the sale of liquor and meals but does not grant permission for high-decibel DJ events or large gatherings. They emphasized that the police’s statutory authority under the Kerala Police Act, 2011, to regulate such activities is not overridden by extended bar timings.
Incidents at Radisson Blu and Wider Implications
Highlighting the specific case of Radisson Blu, the police detailed several concerning incidents in 2026, including a violent altercation, a narcotics case where eight individuals were apprehended in a rave party bust, and an incident involving rioting and damage to the hotel. The hotel’s involvement in these events is currently under investigation.
Reports from police stations across Kochi reveal that late-night DJ events frequently cause disturbances and are often associated with drug offences and crimes against women. Consequently, the police have issued orders under the Kerala Police Act to restrict DJ events and similar activities beyond 11 PM. Notably, the police have not objected to the hotel serving alcohol until 3 AM; the restrictions solely target the DJ and entertainment activities.
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Legal representation for the hotel was provided by Advocates S Rajeev, Anand Kalyanakrishnan, C Dheeraj Rajan, V Vinay, MS Aneer, and Libin Varghese.
