Kochi, July 30 (IANS) The Kerala High Court on Thursday came down heavily on the state government for continuing a senior bureaucrat facing trial in the alleged Rs 600 crore Cashew Development Corporation scam in key public sector positions, questioning how an officer accused in a major corruption case could be entrusted with crucial government institutions.
Hearing a petition filed by public activist K.M. Shajahan, a bench of Justice A. Badhar directed the government to file its response within four weeks after expressing serious concern over the continuance of Dr K.A. Ratheesh, the prime accused in the CBI case, as the Secretary of the Kerala Khadi Board, the Managing Director of Kerala State Rudronics, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Kerala Khadi Workers Welfare Fund Board.
“Has the government appointed such a major corruption accused to head three important institutions?” the court orally observed, adding that the posts themselves offered ample scope for corruption.
The court also noted that the allegations against Ratheesh were grave and sought an explanation on how such appointments were justified despite the pending criminal trial.
The petition pointed out that Ratheesh continues in the posts even after the government had granted sanction for his prosecution in the CBI case, which relates to alleged irregularities in cashew imports during his tenure as Managing Director of the Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation.
It also alleged that he has continued as Managing Director in public sector undertakings for over 11 years, contrary to the Companies Act, besides lacking the mandatory vigilance clearances.
The High Court’s observations come amid renewed scrutiny over successive governments allegedly retaining Ratheesh in influential public sector positions despite corruption charges and repeated judicial interventions.
The CBI case stems from the alleged Rs 600 crore cashew import scam, in which Ratheesh is the first accused.
He has also faced other corruption allegations during his tenure in various state-run enterprises, though the government has continued to entrust him with senior administrative responsibilities.
The latest proceedings have intensified pressure on the government to explain whether an official facing prosecution in one of Kerala’s biggest corruption cases can continue to occupy sensitive positions handling public funds.
With the High Court signalling its displeasure and seeking a detailed explanation, the government’s stand on Ratheesh’s appointments will now come under close judicial scrutiny.
–IANS
sg/vd
