Kochi: The Kerala High Court has severely criticized the state government for denying sanction to prosecute the accused in the Cashew Development Corporation corruption case. The High Court observed that despite being given an opportunity to rectify its error, the government has persisted in its original stance.
The single bench of the High Court declared the government’s position as disrespectful to the court and a clear instance of contempt of court. The court further suggested the necessity of a legal amendment to empower the judiciary to grant prosecution sanction, emphasizing that such a change is the sole viable solution to eradicate corruption.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had sought permission to prosecute INTUC leader R Chandrasekharan and former Managing Director K.A. Ratheesh, both implicated in the cashew import corruption scandal. The government’s refusal to grant this permission was challenged in a contempt of court petition filed by public activist Manoj Kadakampally.
During today’s hearing, the High Court reiterated its strong disapproval of the government’s conduct. The court has reserved its judgment on the petition.
Previously, the High Court had also sharply criticized the government’s evasiveness regarding the prosecution of the accused in the Cashew Development Corporation corruption case. The government had maintained that no corruption had occurred and that the CBI lacked sufficient evidence to prosecute the two accused. The court had questioned why a government that claims to be fighting corruption was, in fact, protecting those accused of it.
Furthermore, the High Court had issued a prior warning that if the government continued to deny the CBI’s request for prosecution sanction, the court would be compelled to record in its order that the government was actively protecting corrupt individuals.