Stepping up pressure on the UDF government over the Suryanelli gangrape case, CPI(M) led LDF walked out of the assembly on Wednesday, demanding re-investigation into the charges levelled by the victim against Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson PJ Kurien.

The protest came even as chief minister Oommen Chandy and home minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said government has an open mind on the issue and would take a decision on the Opposition's demand based on legal opinion.

"Government has sought legal opinion on whether it can reopen a case discharged by Supreme Court. Government is yet to get legal advice on it. A decision will be taken after getting that," Radhakrishnan said replying to a submission on the issue moved by Opposition leader VS Achuthanandan.

Chandy, however, maintained that the charges against Kurien had already been examined by the High Court and Supreme court after a probe by three police teams.

"We are all committed to ensure protection for women and ensure stern action against people who indulge in violence against them. But it is very cruel to punish a person who has not done anything wrong," Chandy said.

An unfazed Kurien has all along rejected the charge and the demand for his resignation, saying it was a matter which had already been cleared by the Supreme Court.