SC lifts stay on order to probe Aluva Manappuram exhibition contract

New Delhi: The Supreme Court lifted the stay on the order to probe corruption charges in connection with the Aluva Manappuram exhibition contract. Earlier, the Kerala High Court division bench had stayed a single bench order calling for a probe into the agreement. 

The apex court also directed the concerned parties to award a contract of the exhibition to the petitioner, Sha’s Entertainment, which quoted the highest amount to hold the annual event. The apex court issued notice in this regard to Aluva Municipality and State Government.

The Sha’s Entertainment had quoted the highest amount to hold the exhibition at Aluva Manappuram on Shivarathri and deposited the amount in the Aluva Municipality’s bank account. However, the civic body did not give the contract to the company, pointing out that the amount was not deposited on time. Instead, it granted the contract to a company named Fun World, which quoted Rs 50 lakh less than the petitioner.

The single bench had directed the municipality to execute the contract with the Sha’s Entertainment, which also ordered a probe into the whole agreement. However, the high court division bench later stayed the order following which the Sha’s Entertainment moved to the Supreme Court.