The alleged suicide by a differently abled man in Kozhikode due to non-payment of social welfare pension sparked opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) protests in Kerala Assembly on Monday.

The opposition UDF members stormed the Well of the House, displaying placards after Speaker AN Shamseer denied leave for an adjournment motion moved by Congress member PC Vishnunath to discuss the suicide by Joseph, aka V Pappachan, a resident of Chakkittapara in Kozhikode district.

The House was in uproar for several minutes with the Speaker proceeding with the day’s business, following which the UDF members staged a walkout in protest.

Moving the adjournment motion ,Congress member P C Vishnunath, claimed that the failure to distribute social security pensions led to the recent suicide of Joseph, aka V Pappachan. He alleged that the pension payments for five months were pending.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal expressed regret over the suicide and dismissed the allegation that it was linked to the non-disbursal of social security pension.

“The person died by suicide on January 23. He had received his pension for the months of November and December. There is no evidence suggesting that his suicide was due to the non-disbursal of pension,” Balagopal said.

Joseph (V Pappachan), 77, of Chakkittapara in Kerala’s Kozhikode district killed himself on Tuesday afternoon following financial crisis due to the government’s delay in releasing his and his bedridden daughter’s pensions.

He was found hanging in his home by neighbours. His family alleged that Joseph ended his life after he did not get the pension amount for several months despite filing several complaints.

Joseph had filed complaints with Ministers, District Collector and Panchayat authorities seeking speedy release of the pension amounts.

A week ago, he wrote to Chakkittapara Panchayat Secretary threatening to die by suicide at the local body’s office if the official did not take necessary action within 15 days.

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday registered a suo motu case in connection with the suicide of the differently-abled man.