Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Lok Ayukta will consider the review petition in connection with alleged nepotism in the distribution of the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), on Wednesday. The hearing, which was scheduled to be held on Tuesday, was postponed due to the petitioner’s request. The petition was filed by RS Sasikumar seeking to review the order referring the case to be probed by Lok Ayukta and the two Upa Lok Ayuktas.

Considering the petition, the Lok Ayukta and Upa Lok Ayukta obliquely criticised the petitioner for the delay. Reportedly, as the advocate supposed to appear for the hearing failed to show up, another advocate appeared before the Lok Ayukta. Following that, he requested to reschedule the hearing as he had to take up the case on short notice. 

Lok Ayukta asked whether Sasikumar was present at the hearing and said, “He (Sasikumar) could have argued the case. He has been arguing a lot in front of the media, attempting to defame the judges.”

Though Upa Lok Ayukta, Justice (Rtd) Harun Al Rashid, said that the petitioner was trying to insult the judges, Lok Ayukta, Justice (Rtd) Cyriac Joseph, stated that they do not meddle in unnecessary matters.

However, Sasikumar opined that he did not criticise the Lok Ayukta but rather slammed its actions. “The review petition was filed as the verdict lacked clarity,” he added.