Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Lok Ayukta is set to re-evaluate the validity of the complaint concerning the alleged misappropriation of the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund as it restarts hearings in the matter. All three members of the anti-corruption ombudsman have been assembled to reconsider the matter, taking into account the earlier verdict of former Lok Ayukta Justice (Rtd) Pius Kuriakose, who examined the legitimacy of the petition when it was filed.
In the previous sittings of the Lok Ayukta, the matter was deferred due to a pending petition in the High Court challenging the ombudsman's decision to send the plea for consideration by a three-member bench.
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The case was referred to the three-member bench due to differing opinions within Lok Ayukta and Upa Lok Ayukta. Upa Lok Ayukta Justice (Rtd) Babu Mathew P Joseph emphasised that the disbursement of the relief fund had been a collective decision of the cabinet. The ministers, he added, are public servants, while the cabinet is not. Petitioner RS Sasikumar maintained that the interpretation of public servants should extend to the ministers and that their decisions, when made, should align with legal norms.
Upa Lok Ayukta Justice (Rtd) Harun Ul Rashid noted that the case had exceeded its time limit, as the opposing parties, excluding the chief minister, no longer served as ministers. The petitioner alleged that the Lok Ayukta was solely responsible for prolonging the investigation.
The Lok Ayukta intervened to placate the petitioner's lawyer when he was frustrated over comments by Upa Lok Ayukta. The case has been adjourned to Friday to allow the government to present its side of the plea.
Published: 08 Aug 2023, 09:31 am IST
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