Vellappally Natesan | Photo: Ramanath Pai|Mathrubhumi
Alappuzha: Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana (SNDP) Yogam general secretary Vellapally Natesan said on Tuesday that the High Court order, amending by-laws under the Sree Narayana (SN) Trust, is applicable to all the members of the organisation.
“The order is applicable for all, not just me. I have to step aside only if I have been proven guilty or charged with punishment. Currently, there is no such circumstance,” said Natesan.
Lauding the court order Natesan added, “There are many who have their eyes on my position. They are trying to frame me in a criminal case to protect their interests. This has been going on for 14 years.”
According to the latest amendment, those involved in fraud cases and those entangled in cases related to the trust's properties should stay away from the SNDP's administration. The court order also clarified that the person should not continue as trustee until he is acquitted.
In 2016, former CM VS Achuthanandan had approached the Thiruvananthapuram Vigilance Court alleging that SNDP Yogam availed Rs 15 crore from Backward Classes Development Corporation at 2% interest and disbursed this amount as loan to people for 12% interest. Additionally, it was noted that SNDP leaders, including Natesan, benefitted from alleged irregularities in microfinance transactions.
Natesan is also the prime accused in a case pertaining to the suicide of KK Mahesan, former Kanichukulangara union secretary of SNDP Yogam.
The court issued an order amending the by-laws on a petition filed by former trust member Advocate Cherunniyoor Jayaprakash. The by-laws of SNDP Yogam were prepared by the High Court. Therefore, only the high court could amend them.